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Handbook History of the 
Town of York 



From Early Times to the Present 



By Edward C. Moody 



Press of the 

KENNEBEC JOURNAL COMPANY 

Augusta, Maine 

For the York Puhliihing Company 






// 



DEDICATED 

TO THOSE 
WHO SHALL AFTER LIVE 




Edward C. JXIoody 



FOREWORD 

The historian of low or high degree of attainment is 
liable to the charge of plagiarism. He can only record facts 
and describe events and scenes which he gathers from pub- 
lic documents, and from the description of others, save in the 
matter of contemporary afifairs of which he was a witness 
and perhaps an incident. There are but few facts or inci- 
dents told in the pages of this book which may not be found 
elsewhere; and it is impossible to narrate events already 
penned by able writers, and to avoid likeness of expression, 
especially when one has not the advantage of a classically 
polished education. Using in part a quotation of Hon. J. C. 
Stewart — "To rescue from oblivion the memory of former 
incidents, and to render a just tribute of renown to the many 
great and wonderful actions both of Greeks and Barbarians, 
Herodotus of Halicarnassus produces this Historical Essay," 
is the modest introduction to the great work written two 
thousand three hundred and forty years ago by the "Father 
of History." 

Eighteen hundred and twenty years ago, Josephus in his 
preface to his renowned work, "Antiquities of the Jews," 
used these words : "Those who undertake to write histories 
do not, I perceive, take that trouble on one and the same 
account, but for many reasons, and those are very different 
one from another, for some of them apply themselves to this 
part of learning to show their skill in composition, and that 
they may therein acquire a reputation for speaking finely; 
others of them there are who write histories in order to 
gratify those that happen to be concerned in them, and on 
that account have spared no pains, but rather gone beyond 



4 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

their own abilities in performance; but others there are who 
of necessity and by force are driven to write history, because 
they were concerned in the facts." 

York is the native town of the writer of this volume, born 
within the sight and sound of the roaring sea; and I hope 
to present a biographical sketch of its birth, growth and 
maturity, that will be of interest and value. I wish to give, 
as far as within me lies, a faithful record of our wonderful 
past and present growth, and it has been for me a work of 
love — dimmed with the realization of my inadequacy to 
rightly perform it. 

"Our Grand Old Town, with honest pride, 
From sea-girt shore to forest wide, 

We would proclaim thy glory. 
Ye men of York with purpose strong, 
The Wheel of Progress roll along, 

And neither pause nor falter; 
But freely each his offering bring, 
The best he has of everything, 

To lay upon the Altar." 

Feb. 14th, 19 14. 

York Village, Maine. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Dedication 

Foreword 3 

Contents 5 

Charter 7 

Early General History. 

Part I 16 

Part II 21 

Part III 32 

Part IV 35 

Early Families 40 

Early Prominent Men 41 

York in Colonial War— Louisburg 58 

York in the Revolution 64 " 

York in the War of 1812 72 

York in the Civil War 74 

The Olde Gaol 79 

First Parish Meeting House 90 

Court House, Now Town Hall 96 

York in the Constitutional Convention loi 

Civil List 104 

Passing of the Customs District of York 107 

York Harbor and Beach Railroad, — Almshouse and 
New Home, — York Hospital, — Electric Plant, — York 
County National Bank, — York Realty Company, — 

Newspaper, — Water Company, — Schools no 

The New Bridge 131 

Proposed Division of the Town 144 

Commemoration of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anni- 
versary- 165 

The Beginning of York as a Summer Resort 174 

Cotton and Woolen Mills 179 

Facts, Legends. Traditions. 

Witchcraft, — Cochranism, — The Norridgewock Ex- 
pedition, — St. Aspinquid, — Story of Boon Island, — 



6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

The Devil's Invention,— Tea Party,— Hull A'Malew, 
— Story of Seymour's Hanging, — Copies of Early 
Land Grants, — The Earliest Authentic Record in 
Handwriting of Town Clerk, — Tommy Disco, — 
Wreath on Samuel Moody's Grave, — The Last Revo- 
lutionary Survivor 183 

Shipbuilding, Shipping, and Sea Captains 213 

First Parish, First Church of Christ 216 

Second Parish 224 

Methodist 23 1 

Episcopal 236 

Non-Sectarian 237 

Union Congregational 238 

Baptist 239 

Christian 242 

Roman Catholic 246 

Physicians and Surgeons 248 

Country Club 250 



CHARTER 

TO ALL TO WHOME THESE PRESENTS shall 
come, I S"" Ferdinando Gorges, Knight Lord of ye Province 
of Mayne within y® Territories of New England in America 
send Greeting Whereas our Soverig® Lord the Kings 
Majestic that now is hy his Highness letter Patente under 
the Great Seal of England bearing Date at Westminister 
the third Day of April in ye fifteenth year of his Majesty 
Reigne of England &c: hath created me ye said S"" Ferdi- 
nando Gorges, absolute Lord of the said Province of Mayne 
fend thereby hath given unto me and my Heirs absolute 
power and authoritie over the said Province & of all ye 
Lands within ye Precincts & bounds of ye same & over all 
ye Inhabitants & people that from time to time shall be 
resident & abiding within ye limits and precints of ye said 
Province for ye welfare & good Government of all his 
•^^jesty ]Qving subjects that shall have recourse unto ye 
same AND W^HEREAS his said Maj^^ by ye same Letters 
Patente hath further given & granted unto me my Heirs 
& Assigns full power leave licence & authorite to errect 
build & raise from time to time in ye Province Territories 
& coasts aforesaid & every or any of them such and so many 
Forts fortresses platforms, Castles, Cities, Towns & Villages 
& all Fortifications whatsoever & ye same & every of them 
to Fortifie & furnishe w^'^ Men ordinances powder shot 
armo*: & all other weapons ammunition and habiltiments 
of warr both for Defense & Offense whatsoever as to me 
my Heirs & Assigns or any of them shall seem meete & 
Convenient and Likewise to Commit from time to time ye 
Government Custodie and Defence thereof unto such person 



8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

& persons as to me my Heirs and Assigns shall seem meet 
AND to ye several Cities Burroughs and Towns to grant 
Letters or shires of Incorporations w^^ all Liberties and 
things belonging to the same and in ye said several Cities 
Burroughs & Towns to constitute such & so many Markets, 
Marts and faires and to grant such meete tolles, Customs 
Duties and Previlidges to or with ye same as by me my 
Heirs & Assigns shall be thought fitt as in & by ye said 
Letters Patente amongst Diverse & Sundrey other privi- 
lidges liberties freedoms & Jurisdictions therein Contained 
more plainly & at large it doth or may appear. NOW 
KNOW y^ that I the said S"" Ferdinando Gorges having 
allready through God's assistance settled the said Province 
& Inhabitants thereof in a hopeful! way of Goverment and 
being desirous by all good ways and means to further and 
advance ye same have thought fitt & resolved on to create 
a citie or Town within ye said Province & to Incorporit y" 
same and to appoint thereunto such officers & Courts of 
Justice and such liberties previlidges & Jurisdictions as are 
hereafter in theirs (space) particularised set forth and 

declared AND DO THEREFORE for me my Heirs & 
Assigns Grant ordaine & Establish that ye Circuite of ye 
said Incorporation within ye Province aforesaid shall extend 
from ye Beginning of ye Intrance in of ye River commonly 
called & known by ye name of Agamenticus / Agamenticus 
& so up ye said River seven Inglish Miles and all along ye 
East and North East side of ye seashore Three English 
miles in Breadth from the Entrance of ye said River & up 
into ye Mayne Land seven Miles Butting with ye seven 
Miles from ye sea side up ye said River ye Breadth of three 
Miles opposite thereunto AND that the said Citie or Town 
shall be errected & Built in such place of the said Lymitts 
as shall be thought most convenient by ye Assent of ye 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 9 

Deputie of the said Province the Steward General there of 
& ye Mayor and Justices of ye said Citie or Town for ye 
time being And to ye end that ye said Citie or Town & 
Bounds or Lymitts of ye Incorporation before set forth and 
Discribed may for Ever hereafter be more particularlie known 
& Distinguished, My will is that ye same from henceforth 
be noiated formed and Called by ye name of Gorgeanna And 
by that name of Gorgeanna, ye said Circuite Precinct Lymitt 
and place aforesaid I do by these presents for me my Heirs 
& Assigns name call erect found & Establish and by that 
name to have continuance for Ever And for ye Better Gov- 
erning of the said Citie or Town & Lymitt before men- 
tinoned I do Constitute Assigne Lymitte & Appoint that 
from henceforth for Ever hereafter there shall be one Body 
politique and Corporate which shall have perpetual succes- 
sion and shall consist of a Maio"" twelve Aldermen and four 
and Twenty to be of ye Common Counsell there, and of ye 
Rest of ye Coialtie of ye said corporation, and that the Maio*" 
shall be yearly chosen by ye Common Counsel Burgos- 
sess of ye said Corporation or ye Greater part of them upon 
every Five and Twentieth Day of March for Ever and that 
ye Deputies Governor of the said Province shall appoint 
Assigne & Notifie the first Maio"" for ye year to come who 
shall enter into his office upon ye five and Twentieth Day of 
March next ensuing ye date hereof and that the said Deputy 
Governor shall likewise for this year appoint ye persons that 
shall be Aldermen & that the Major part of the freeholders 
shall elect & notifie such as shall be of ye Common Counsell 
there, from time to time forever. And I do appoint that 
two fo ye said Aldermen shall be Justices written ye said 
Corporation who shall be chosen fro this year alsoe by my 
said Deputy Governor. And that the said Maio"" Justices, 
Aldermen. Common Council and Inhabitants of the Lymitts 



lO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

& Precincts aforesaid & their Successors shall be in & by 
those presents incorporated to have a perpetual succession 
for Ever in Deed facte & name And shall be And be oud 
Body Corporate and Politique. AND FURTHERMORE 
I do by these presents for me and my Heirs Grant unto the 
said Maio"" & Couialtie & Tehie successors that they and 
their successors shall be and shall continue persons able and 
capable in Law from time to time as our Body and shall 
have full power and authority and Lawfull Capacitie & 
Abilitie to purchse take hold receive enjoy & to have to them 
& their successors for Ever any Mann's Land Tenements, 
Rents, Royalties, Previlidges Immunities revertions Annui- 
ties Hereditaments Goods and Chatties whatsoever within 
ye said Province of Mayne of & from me my Heirs & 
Assigns and the same or any part thereof to Alein sell away 
and to do execute ordayne & perform all other matters & 
things whatsoever belonging or appertaining to a corpora- 
tion. And I do further constitute ordayne and appoint that 
tliere shall be forever hereafter within the said corporation 
a Recorded & a Town Clark which shall be from time to 
time elected and chosen by the May"' Aldermen Common 
Council & Coialtie of ye said Corporation or the Greater 
part of them whereof the Maio' for the time being to be 
chief in the election & to have a Double voice And I do 
further by these presents ordaine & Create within ye said 
Citie or town and Corporation a Court Leete or Law day 
to be held for ever twice every year within a moneth of the 
Feast of Easther & Michelmass for the good Government 
&f weale publique of the said Corporation & for the the 
punishing of all Offenders the same to be kept by the Re- 
corder for this time being and the fines paynes & Amez- 
lialts ( ?) from time to time to be to the use of the maio' 
of the said Town for the time being for Ever. AND I do 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK II 

also by these presents create and Establish with in the said 
corporation a Court of Justice for the hearing and deter- 
mining of all actions & differences between parties & parties 
within the said Corporation) Noe action of Debt exceeding 
ten pounds and the power of the said Court not extending 
to the taking away of life or member nor to any title of 
lands the same Court to be according or as neere as may be 
to the Court of his Maj"^* Court of Chancery at Westminis- 
ter wherein the Maio"" for ye time being to sit as Judge with 
the Recorder & Aldermen or so many of the said Aldermen 
as shall be there & the Town Clark to be the Clark and min- 
ister of the said Court & in all Judgements and decrees it 
shall be lawfull for ye partie against whome any decree or 
Judgement shall passe to make an appeal to me or my Deputy 
so as ye same be done within fourty days after such Judge- 
ment or decree made & not after nor otherwise AND I do 
further create & appoint two or four serjants to attend on 
ye said Maio"" who shall be called forever Serjants of ye 
White Rod & shall serve & return all processes & precepts 
Issuing out of ye said Court from time to time and shall be 
Elected & Chosen by the Maio'' & Aldermen of the said Citie 
or Town or the greater part of them whereof ye maio"" to 
have a double voice & upon any misdemeanor of such serjant 
of serjants ye Maio"" for ye time being & ye Aldermen or ye 
greater part of them shall have power to put them out & 
remove them from the said service & Imployments. And 
further I do grant by these / these presents for me and my 
Heirs unto the said Maio"" & Coailtie and their successors 
that they and their successors shall have and enjoy for ever 
a common seal to be engraven according to their own dis- 
cretion whereby the said Incorporation may or shall seal 
any manner of Instrument touching ye same corporation & 
such Maio'"'s Lands Tenements, rents, Revertions, Ammuni- 



12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

ties, Hereditaments, goods, chattels, affairs & any other 
things belonging unto or in any wise appertaining to the 
same or any of them. And I do Further for me & my 
Heirs for ye Considerations aforesaid & for divers other 
good causes and considerations me moving by these presents 
absolutely give grant and confirm unto the said Maio' & 
Coailtie of Gorgeana aforesaid & their successors for Ever 
All such & so much of the aforesaid Lands, Lymitts, places, 
& precincts hereby before perticularie Bounded out & Ex- 
pressed as are not formerly granted & thereupon seized on 
& possessed by any other person or Persons & ane called by 
the name of Gorgeana aforesaid. Together alsoe with all 
the Haven, Ports, Creeks, Rivers, Waters Fishings & all & 
singular other profets commodities Jurisdictions previlidges 
ffranchisses & preheminences within or belonging to the said 
precincts & Lymitts called Gorgeana aforesaid or to any of 
them. TO HAVE HOLD POSSE & enjoy all & singular 
ye aforesaid Lymitts, precincts & places called Gorgeana & 
all & singular other the said Grants premises with all & 
singular their appurtenances to the said Maio'" & coailtie & 
their successors & Assigns for Ever To the only use & 
behoof of the said Maio"" & Coailtie their successors & 
assigns for Ever. TO BEE Holden of ye Kings Ma'f*- 
his Heirs & Successors of his Mamo* of Caste of Grrenwich 
in the County of Kent in free & Common Cotage & note in 
Capite nor by Knights service as the said Province of Mayne 
is now held Yeilding & Paicinge therefore yearly to me the 
said Ferdinando Gorges, my Heirs & Assigns on Quarter 
of Wheat at Michalmas yearlie & every year for Ever And 
in Regard that due Alleigance to his Maj^^^ His Heirs and 
Successors my Ever be rendered as in the said Province so 
in & witliin the said Incorporation I do by these presents 
order, ordayne & appoint that before any Maio' now or here- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I3 

after to be named of the said Town shall execute his office 
he shall first take ye oath of Alleigance towards his Maj*** 
which shall be administered by the Governor or Chancellors 
of the said Province & likewise that the said Justices & 
Common Council & the Recorder Town Clerk and Serjants 
& all other officers, their shall take the like oath to be admin- 
istered by the Maio' for the time being & alsoe that the 
Governor of Chancellor of the said Province shall admin- 
ister such formal oaths to the Maio' as he and the Greater 
part of the Council of the said Province & the Greater part 
of the Incorporation shall devise & think meet for the due 
administerinf of Justice within ye said Incorporation & for 
the well Governing of the same to the / the best good of the 
said Incorporation and that the said Justices shall take an 
oath to the like purpose to be administered by the Maio"" & 
that the Recorder Town Clark and oters shall take such 
oaths as are proper to the due execution of their office, places 
and to such other intents as to the Maio' and Justices shall 
seem most fitt for the best good of ye said Incorporation and 
the same oaths shall be administered alsoe by the said Maio' 
in the sight of the said Justices or any of them. AND I 
do further for me and my Heirs by these presents give and 
grant unto the said Maio' and Coailtie full power, leave, 
license and authority from time to time to make wharfs and 
Keeife for Lading and Unlading goods and Merchandize. 
And to erect, rayse and Build in & within the Lymitts and 
precincts of the said Incorporation such and so many Forts, 
fortresses, platforms and other fortifications whatsoever and 
the same & every of them to fortifie with men and all manner 
ammunition for the safety of the said Incorporation and for 
the better safety & need be of 

the said whole Provicne as to the said Maio' & Coailtie or 
the greater part of them shall seem meet. And in Further 



14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

consideration of the tender regard I have and care to the 
further good & advancement of the happiness and weale 
pubhque of the said City or Town, and Incorporation & of 
the said Province & that Trading Commerce may be the 
more readihe advancte I do by these presents create, oor- 
dayne appoint & estabhsh a market to be kept upon Wednes- 
day in every week for Ever within the said Town and that 
their shall be two fairs held and kept there every year for 
Ever hereafter viz. upon the Feast day of St. James and 
St. Paul and that all the Benefit of ye Toll & other Customs 
incident and belonging to fairs & markets shall forever re- 
down to the use & advantage of the said Maio"" for ye time 
being. AND I DO further by these presents for me and 
my Heirs license and authorize the said Maio"" Aldermen 
Council and Coailtie for the time being and the greater part 
of them to make all such good & wholesome Laws for the 
better for the better ordering and Governing of ye said Cor- 
poration as to them shall seem meete the same not being 
repugnant but agreeable as neere as may be to the Laws of 
this Kingdom of England nor repugnant or contrarie to the 
Laws of this said Province now or hereafter to be established 
there. AND I Do further by these presents for me and my 
Heirs give and grant unto the said Maio"" & Coailtie and 
Incorporation such and so many previlidges abortions & 
freedons as far as in me lieth, as the City of Bristol holdeth 
by their Charter of Incorporation. And I Do Further for 
me and my Heirs Covenant my successors by these presents 
that they and their successors shall at any time make any 
Doubt of the validity in Law of this present Charter or be 
desirous to have ye same revinell with ammendments of such 

Imperfection as shall appear fitt to be reformed 

that then upon the suite and entreatie of the said Maio' and 
Coailtie and their successors for the time being I and my 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 15 

Heirs shall forthwith pass a new Grantee and Cahrter to the 

said Maio' and Coailtie with such further & better 

promises as by the Council on the behalf of me and my Heirs 
anf od the said Maio' and Coailtie and their successors shall 
be reasonably devised or advised AND FURTHER that 
all doubts or questions that may arise touching this present 
charter or Coailtie & their successors or thing herein con- 
tained shall be constructed and expounded to be enbre and 
is hereby declared to be and enbre to the most benefit & and 
advantage of the said Incorporations and of every member 
thereof. AND LASTLY I do for me and my Heirs and 
Assignes and command my Deputy Governor and all my 
Council and Freeholders of ye said Province to take notice 
of this present charter and to be ayding and assisting to the 
said Maio"" and Coailtie their successors and assgns in all 
things touching the same. 

In witness whereof I the said S"" Ferdinando Gorges have 
hereunto sett my hand and seal the first day of March in 
the seventeenth year of the Reigne of our Soverigne Lord, 
Charles by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France 
and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c. 1641. 



YORK 

EARLY GENERAL HISTORY 
Part I 

"Forty miles from Portland, and thirty south of Alfred. Terminus 
of York Harbor and Beach Railroad. Settled about 1624. Origi- 
nally called Agamenticus. Endowed with a city charter and gov- 
ernment by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, April 10, 1641, under the name 
of Gorgeana. The first English city upon the continent of Amer- 
ica. Thos. Gorges was the first mayor. It was organized in 1652 
into a town under the name of York, from the English town, being 
the second in the State. It was the shire town of Yorkshire county 
(by order of the Legislature of Massachusetts), which included the 
whole province of Maine, from 1716 to 1735; then shire town with 
Portland (then called Falmouth) of the whole province from 1735 
to 1760; then shire town of the County of York from 1760 to 1800. 
In 1802 Alfred was made a shire town with York, and continued so 
until 1832, when all the courts were removed to Alfred. Popula- 
tion: 1850, 2980; i860, 2825; 1870, 2654; 1880, 2453; 1890, 2444; 1900, 
2668. Valuation: i860 — polls, 614; estates, $702,218; 1870 — polls, 
614; estates, $771,776; 1880 — polls, 625; estates, $716,798; 1890 — polls, 
735; estates, $1,228,716; 1900 — polls, 735; estates, $1,815,471; 1904 — 
polls, 760; estates, $2,323,440." 

The above has been given in the Maine Register as the 
geographical location, and Historical Epitome of York for 
the last fifty years. Earlier writers tell us that at least three 
hundred years ago it was known on the maps as Boston. 
The "Hub" was where York Harbor and Village now are, 
before there was a wharf built in Boston at the mouth of 
Charles River. Capt. John Smith, who in 1614 explored 
the coast of Maine as far eastward as the Penobscot, had 
given it the Indian name of Agamenticus. He projected 
and drew up a map with the Indian names of the rivers and 
principal harbors and islands along the coast, and presented 
it to Prince Charles, heir apparent, afterwards King Charles 
I of England. He changed many of the names upon it to 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 1 7 

English names. Agamenticiis as laid down on the map was 
changed to Boston. This was in 1616, two years after 
Capt. Smith's explorations. Also on the same map appeared 
the name Plymouth — where the Pilgrims landed some years 
later. Our plantation was established under the guiding 
hand of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the oldest and by far the 
most prominent promoter of these settlements of Colonies 
in New England. He had received the original New Eng- 
land Charter in 1606, and was the first president of the first 
Council organized under it for the initiative of settlements. 
He was also much interested in the Popham Colony, and 
sent his Captains, Smith and Vines, on many voyages to 
this coast before 161 6. In 1620 he and his associates ob- 
tained a new charter from King James by which the various 
original grants of New England were made; and in 1622, 
in company with Capt. John Mason, obtained the grant of 
New Hampshire and Maine, extending from the Merrimac 
to the Kennebec river. Under this grant the first settlement 
was made by their united labors in 1623 at the mouth of 
the Piscataqua, now Portsmouth and Newcastle. And the 
same year a permanent settlement was made at Agamenticus, 
now York. 

In this settlement Mason had no share, although they 
operated together at Piscataqua until 1634. Thus Ports- 
mouth and York appear to be children of the same year. 
But as Rev. Rufus M. Sawyer in his sketch of ^'Agamenticus 
& Gorgeana, or York, Maine," published in 1866, says, 
"It is not quite certain when civilized men first pitched their 
tents at Agamenticus." Or Edward E. Hale, "What was 
his name? I do not know his name. Whoever he may have 
been he knew that his shallop had found a safe anchorage 
and good harbor." Standing where the Marshall House 
now is, he traced a navigable stream for miles. A fertile 



l8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

valley partly intervale from one to two miles wide and heav- 
ily wooded with pine and oak. On the eastern bank of the 
river, near the ocean, was an admirable site for a future city, 
backed by the knoll of Sentry Hill, from which, inland, could 
be seen a bird's eye view of the three-mile-square plantation, 
which in 1642 was to be enlarged to twenty-one square miles. 

In 1623 the colonists sent out by Sir Ferdinando Gorges 
came prepared to clear away forest, procure lumber, build 
mills and ships, and cultivate the ground. The millwrights 
and carpenters had the tools of their trades; the agricultur- 
ists, their oxen, and farming implements. They began the 
embryo city by building cabins on the eastern bank of Aga- 
menticus River near its mouth. This colony was in charge 
of his nephew, Capt. William Gorges, and Col. Francis 
Norton, a young officer, in whom he placed great confidence, 
and whom by merit alone had advanced from a common 
foot soldier to the rank of Lieut. Colonel. 

In 1636, Capt. William Gorges was sent from England 
with full power as Governor of the Province, in which posi- 
tion he acted nearly two years. At this time Gorges really 
had no power to establish a government over his province. 
The council referred to under the Charter of 1606, and 
which held its right from the King alone, had dissolved, and 
surrendered their Charter. Doubtless the discovery of this 
fact caused him to recall his nephew so soon after the com- 
mencement of his administration. However, Sir Ferdinando 
went to work earnestly to secure a new charter from the 
King. He wished for one that would not only insure a 
perfect title to the land, but convey with it full civil sover- 
eignty within the jurisdiction of his province. This was 
granted on the third day of April, 1639, and conferred upon 
him, as lord proprietor of the province, almost absolute power 
of government. He could now commission Governors and 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 'I9 

Councillors. The first Governor chosen and commissioned 
was Sir Thomas Jocelyn, who declined the position. Thomas 
Gorges was next appointed, and sent across with a commis- 
sion for himself and his associates in Council. Here follows 
an abstract from the "York Records Book A." 
Sir Ferdinando Gorges by Commission appoints — 

Sir Thomas Jocelyn, Knight 
Richard Vines, Steward General 

Francis Champemoon "j 
Sept. 2d Henry Joselin >• Esquires ^ Councillors 

1639 Richard Bonighton ) 



William Hooke 

Second Commission 



Edward Godfrey ) 



Thomas Gorges 

Richard Vines, Steward General 

Henry Joselin 

Francis Champemoon r" Coimcillors 

March 10 Richard Bonighton 
1639-40 William Hooke 

Edward Godfrey, Esquires 

Thomas Gorges, appointed Secretary. 

OATH 

Here follows the oath the Councillors were required to 
take — swearing before God and by the Bible: 

"I do swear and protest before God Almighty and by the holy 
contents of this Book, to be a faithful servant and Councillor unto 
Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Knight, my Lord of the Province of Mayne, 
and to his heirs and assigns to do and perform to the utmost of 
my power all dutiful respects to him, or them belonging, conceal- 
ing their Councils, and without respect of persons, to do, perform, 
and give my opinion in all causes, according to my conscience and 
best understanding both, as I am a Councillor for hearing of causes, 
and otherwise freely to give him, or them my opinion as I am a 
Councillor for matters of States or Commonwealths, and that I will 
not conceal from him or them and their Council any matter of 
conspiracy or mutinous practice against my said Lord and his heirs, 
but will instantly after my knowledge thereof, discover the same 
and prosecute the authors thereof with all diligence and severity 
according to Justice, and thereupon do humbly kiss the Book." 



20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Of the Deputy Governor and Councillors, Thomas Gorges, 
Edward Godfrey, and William Hooke were residents of 
Agamenticus; Richard Vines lived at Winter Harbor; Hen- 
ry Jocelyn at Beak Point; Francis Champernoon (loving- 
nephew) at Piscataqua, now Kittery; and Richard Bonigh- 
ton at Saco. Thomas Gorges, whom Sir Ferdinando calls 
his "truly and well beloved cousin," arrived in the province 
in 1640 and was Governor about four years. He built his 
house at Agamenticus on the point of land known then and 
now as Gorges Point, which lies between the Judicature 
Creek and the river, about three and one-half miles from 
the sea. Here he resided until 1644 when he finally de- 
parted for England. The remains of the cellar of his house 
may still be seen. 

It is said by Williamson and Dr. Belknap that Thomas 
Gorges on his arrival at Agamenticus found affairs, both 
public and private, in a lamentable state of disorder. The 
Lord Proprietor's buildings which had cost him large sums 
of money were greatly dilapidated and his personal property 
had been squandered. The young Governor went to work 
with zeal and soon had a good degree of order from out 
the confusion. In all his efforts he was strongly aided and 
heartily sustained by that eminent citizen, and friend, Ed- 
ward Godfrey of the Council, "than whom no man in the 
province was a more earnest supporter and faithful public 
officer." Governor Gorges was a young man who had re- 
ceived a law education at the Inns Court, Westminister. 
As before intimated, he entered upon his government deter- 
mined to discharge its duties promptly and with fidelity. 
He was also an active patron of trade and commerce, a 
considerable amount of which had grown already between 
Agamenticus, Piscataqua and Saco, and the colonies farther 
east at St. Johns and Nova Scotia. Much of the disorder 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 21 

which Gov. Gorges found existent was the result of the 
actions and teaching of the notorious George Burdett, who 
purported to be a minister of the Gospel. He had been 
brought before the First General Court for lewd and dis- 
orderly conduct, but he had managed to gain a strong influ- 
ence in political matters. (Burdett will be referred to later 
in this work.) 

However, a new era was about to dawn on the colony, 
so well had Gov. Gorges and Edward Godfrey, in whom 
Sir Ferdinando placed implicit trust and whose confidence 
he had never betrayed, carried on their work. So well did 
the settlement thrive under their management that Sir Fer- 
dinando less than two years after receiving his grant from 
King Charles, conceived the idea and carried out the design 
of making the plantation of Agamenticus a "borough" and 
then a city. This brings us to the second phase of our settle- 
ment, it being the time when corporate privileges were con- 
ferred. Williamson gives the date of "borough" charter, 
as April lo, 1641, and the "city" charter, March i, 1642. 
Hon. Nathaniel G. Marshall gives the date of the city char- 
ter as March i, 1641, which is twenty days earlier than 
Williamson makes the date of the borough charter. Clay- 
ton in his History of York County says, "I am convinced 
that Mr. Marshall's copy is correct in every particular." 

Part U 
The first Charter formed Agamenticus into a "Bor- 
ough." It included a territory "three miles every way from 
church, chapel, or oratory of the plantation," and gave power 
to the burgesies or inhabitants to elect annually a mayor and 
eight aldermen, and to hold property to any amount. The 
mayor and the board of aldermen were authorized to make 
by-laws, to erect fortifications and garrison houses, and to 



'^2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

hold municipal courts for the trial of all misdemeanors and 
civil causes once in three weeks. History and historical tra- 
dition tell us that the inhabitants of incorporated Agamenti- 
cus were much pleased, and highly appreciated the privileges 
granted their town and were disposed to guard them with 
jealous care against all encroachments of the general court. 
Therefore, when the Court convened in June at Saco, Ed- 
ward Godfrey and three of the aldermen, with delegates from 
the burgesies, went before that tribunal, and entered their 
protest against any interference with their corporate rights 
and privileges. They said that, while they acknowledged the 
authority of the Provincial Charter of the Lord Proprietor, 
and cheerfully rendered submission to all the requirements 
of the government established under it, they did not wish 
their appearance at Court then, or at any other time, should 
be considered as in any way prejudical to their borough 
rights and privileges, and they asked that their protest might 
be authenticated by a notary and entered upon the records, 
which was done according to their request. These "borough 
privileges" were soon superseded by the more enlarged priv- 
ileges of a city. Sir Ferdinando, who had all along made 
the place the special object of his interest and loving care, on 
March i, 1641, conferred upon it a city charter. The first 
election of mayor and aldermen under this charter was held 
March 25, 1642. At this first election held by the voters of 
the city of Gorgeana, which then according to Williamson 
had a population of about three hundred, Thomas Gorges 
was elected mayor, and Edward Godfrey, Roger Garde, 
George Puddington, Bartholmew Bartnett, Edward Johnson, 
Arthur Bragdon, Henry Simpson and John Rogers were 
elected aldermen. Thus Agamenticus became the first in- 
corporated English city on this continent, with the graceful 
name of GORGEANA. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 2^ 

As earlier stated, the corporate limits of this city embraced 
an area of twenty-one square miles. The whole lay in the 
form of a parallelogram on the northern side of Agamenti- 
cus river, extending up seven miles from its mouth and five 
miles upon the seashore. The officers consisted of a mayor, 
twelve aldermen, twenty-four common councilmen and a 
clerk, annually elected by the freeholders on the twenty-fifth 
of March. The mayor and aldermen were ex-officio Jus- 
tices, and had the appointment of four sergeants, whose in- 
signia of office was a white rod, and whose duties it was to 
serve all judicial processes. The courts were two — one held 
every Monday by the mayor, aldermen and recorder or clerk, 
for the trial of all offenses not extending to life, and all civil 
suits excepting titles to lands not exceeding ten pounds; the 
other was a court holden twice a year by the recorder for 
preserving the rights of the corporation and the punishment 
of the abuse of public trusts. Appeals were allowed to the 
Lord Proprietor or his Deputy Governor in person. Ban- 
croft, speaking of Agamenticus, said, "Tho' in truth but a 
poor village she became a chartered borough and Sir Ferdi- 
nando, like another Romulus, resolved to perpetuate his name 
and under the name of Gorgeana the land around York be- 
came as good a city, as seals and parchment, a Mayor and 
Aldermen, a Chancery Court and Courtleet, Sergeants and 
white rods, can make of a town of three hundred inhabitants, 
and its petty officers." 

The city of Gorgeana and the early settlements, religious- 
ly, were under the direction of Episcopalians. Gorges was 
instructed by the Court of England to establish the Episco- 
pal form of worship throughout his province as appears in 
the following extract from the Charter: "Our will and 
pleasure is, that the religion now professed in the Church of 
England, and ecclesiastical government now used in the 



24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

same, shall be ever hereafter professed, and with as much 
convenient speed as may be settled and established in and 
throughout the province." Thus Gorgeana was to be the 
seat of Ecclesiastical power, as well as civil; and also the 
residence of the Bishop, and other Episcopal dignitaries. It 
is not certain whether she was ever blessed with a settled 
curate or rector of that order. Doubtless Episcopal wor- 
ship was enjoyed for there was a "Church Chapel or Ora- 
tory." And we hear of several ministers of the same faith 
in the province of Maine at that time. Robert Jordan of 
Casco, conducted Episcopal worship in different places for 
nearly thirty years. In 1675 he moved to Portsmouth and 
died there in 1679 at the age of sixty-eight years. He left 
a will providing for his widow (Sarah Winter) and their 
children, John, Robert, Samuel, Dominicus, Jedidiah, and 
Jeremiah. Richard Gibson, a scholarly man and popular 
preacher, labored also at Casco, Portsmouth and the Isle 
of Shoals for six or seven years, beginning in 1637. He 
probably visited Gorgeana frequently in the last years of his 
ministry, as it was but eight miles distant, and at the present 
day Rev. Harold M. Folsom, Rector of St. John's in Ports- 
mouth, "breaks the bread of life" at St. George's and Trin- 
ity, located in the proposed modern town of "Gorges." This 
Mr. Gibson it would seem was somewhat of a politician, for 
he attempted to make the Islanders at the Shoals revolt from 
Massachusetts and come under Gorges government. Other 
Episcopal clergymen preached at times in the early settle- 
ment of Maine. Consequently it would naturally follow that 
that form of worship was frequently, if not continually, ob- 
served at Gorgeana, the seat of power. But now and then 
a Puritan minister found his way to, and labored in, this 
proud little city, or among the people of Agamenticus before 
the city was founded, for according to Belknap the first Col- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 2$ 

onists were very reckless and licentious. Mention is made 
of Rev. Mr. Thompson, a pious and learned minister, who 
came to this country in 1637. Savage says of him: "He 
was a very gracious, sincere man, a very holy man, who had 
been an instrument of much good at Agamenticus." How- 
ever, at this period in our history there were troublous times 
in England. As Edward C. Moody truly states it in an ad- 
dress delivered before the York Association in 1894: "A new 
power had arisen in England, Charles I had lost his throne 
and about to lose his head. Oliver Cromwell, Protector of 
the Faith, ruled England, and a dark shadow hangs around 
Gorgeana." Sir Fernando took an active part in the cause 
of the King. He was taken captive by Cromwell and impris- 
oned; he suffered the loss of his property and died in 1647. 
Under this state of affairs, many of the people of the Province 
of Maine sought a union with Massachusetts. And the great 
Charter of the Bay Company was enrolled before the General 
Court in Boston and so interpreted as to give Massachusetts 
full claim to all the territory embraced in the Gorges Charter, 
and Commissioners were soon on their way to reorganize 
the government of the Province of Maine. On receipt of 
the news of Sir Fernando's death, Edward Godfrey was 
elected Governor of the territory, which belonged to Gorges, 
and he was acting as such when the Commissioners from 
Massachusetts, selected by the General Court under their 
new interpretation, arrived. Mr. Marshall, in his address 
says: "Mr, Godfrey and his associates resisted to the ut- 
most of their ability this encroachment on their rights, and 
appealed to the Court of England for redress, but the King, 
his friend, was shorn of power to aid him, Cromwell was in 
the ascendant, and he, probably remembering Gorges as his 
active opposer in the struggle from which he had recently 
come out victorious, was not inclined to render the friends of 



26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Gorges any favor. The result was that all the possessions 
of Gorges were transferred to the Massachusetts Bay Com- 
pany, and Godfrey, his associates and all our ancestors re- 
siding here became subject to that Company. This hap- 
pened in the year 1652." We are told that Godfrey yielded 
gracefully and signed the articles of submission that were 
required. The Massachusetts Bay Company then entered 
into full possession. 

Our City charter was revoked and the name of York was 
given by which we have since been known. A recent at- 
tempt to restore part of the name to part of the territory to 
be called the town of Gorges, as is known did not materialize. 
"We took our name from what was once the proudest city 
of Britain," Moody in his address said. The City of York 
in Britain was founded by the Emperor Agricola, eighteen 
hundred and fourteen years ago, and was the political and 
military capitol of the realm. There the most noted body 
of troops of Rome that then ruled the world was stationed. 
It was called the "Victorious Legion" and occupied the city 
upwards of three hundred years. There the Governor re- 
sided and administered justice. It had numerous temples 
and public buildings, and had attached to it the name of 
"Another Rome," and here, too, in this city in the fourth cen- 
tury occurred a most notable event which has made its mark 
on the history of mankind, for it was at York that Con- 
stantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, 
was so proclaimed, and through his influence, Christianity 
became the established religion of the Empire. The walls 
and towers of Old York still stand, tho' ivy covered monu- 
ments to the ancient glory and power of the city whence we 
took our name." What is there in a name? Mr. Marshall 
says of the change, "As if the cruel company could hardly 
spare us many letters of the alphabet for a name, they gave 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 2/ 

US the short, snappish name of York; and the beautiful, 
liquid, euphonious name of 'GORGEANA,' after an exist- 
ence of ten short years, was forever wiped out." 

In the place of Sir Ferdinando's city the Massachusetts 
Commissioners incorporated the town of York, which em- 
braced the same limits as remain substantially unchanged up 
to the present day. Frank D. Marshall, Esquire, of Port- 
land, a grandson of Hon. N. G. Marshall, in his Historical 
sketch of York, written in 1903, says, "Aside from the lots 
parcelled out to the first settlers, there remained a great tract 
of wild and primeval land, mostly lying back from the river 
and coast. This was the "Common Lands," held by the 
town and from which for good cause, lots were granted by 
vote of the freeholders and laid out to new settlers, and 
worthy residents. The grant would be by brief vote, of 
which the following is a fair example: 

"Granted to Mr. Sam' Doniel, fifteen acres of land between 
the land of Stephen Preble de^^** and ye Little Fresh Brook, 
called the fresh water, if he can find it clear of all former 
grants." Subsequently the grantee would see that his grant 
was duly "laid out" and surveyed by the town surveyor, and 
entered on the town records. Occasionally the vote was 
coupled with the condition that the grantee should "come 
and settle in this town." Such were frequent immediately 
following the devastation in 1692. Among the earliest and 
choicest grants were those "for the use of the ministry," 
some of which are still held by the First Parish. By 1732, 
the remaining Common Lands lay well inland around Mt. 
Agamenticus. In 1732, three hundred shareholders were 
constituted and became the Proprietors of the Common 
Lands. This body held meetings and retained its organ- 
ization until 1820. By that time all of the original tract, 
however distant from the coast, that was embraced in the 



28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

grants of Gorges had become the possessions of individuals. 
From this partial digression we will return to 1653. 

In about 1645, there arrived within the city limits a new 
element of strength. The revolting of the Scots had made 
it almost imperative for many of the Cavaliers in order to 
have their lives to look for a home across the sea in the 
western world, so along the banks of York River toward 
its source a hamlet grew up known to this day as "Scotland." 
The descendants of Griscom, Mclntire, Robert Junkins, 
Pierce, Thomas Donnell, Joseph Grant, who were banished 
by Cromwell in 1645, and other Scotchmen, who immigrated 
in 1647, still live there, and have been for more than two 
hundred and fifty years prominent in town affairs. The 
Town Commissioners appointed by the Massachusetts au- 
thorities were : Edward Godfrey, Abraham Preble, Edward 
Johnson and Edward Risworth ; the latter was also appointed 
clerk of the waits and County Recorder. Henry Norton was 
chosen Marshall and Nicholas Davis, Constable. John Davis 
was licensed to keep an inn, ordinary or tavern. Edward 
Risworth was chosen the first Representative to the General 
Court in May, 1653. The Articles of Submission to Mas- 
sachusetts were signed at the dwelling-house of Nicholas 
Davis, November 22nd, 1652. The following are the names 
of the signers : Philip Adams, Sampson Angier, John Alcock, 
Nicholas Bond, George Beanton, Joseph Alcock, Samuel 
Alcock, Richard Banks, Arthur Bragdon, Richard Codagon, 
John Davis, Thomas Curtis, Nicholas Davis, John Davis, 
2nd, William Dickson, Thomas Donnell, Henry Donnell, 
Robert Edge, Andrew Everett, William Ellingham. William 
Freather, Hugh Gale, Edward Godfrey. William Gomsey, 
John Gooch, John Hooker, Philip Hatch, Robert Hethers, 

William Hilton, Edward Johnson, Robert Knight, 

Lewis, William Moore, Henry Norton, John Parker, George 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 29 

Parker, Abraham Preble, Francis Raynes, William Rogers, 
Edward Risworth, Edward Start, Sylvester Storer, Mary 
Tapp (acts only), John Turisden, Jr., Edward Wenstome, 
Thomas Wheelwright, Peter Wyer (Weare), Rowland 
Young. As was noted, Gorges' Charter provided for the 
establishment and conducting of the Episcopal religion, or 
what was more generally known as the Church of England. 
Cromwell was a non-conformist and was called a Puritan 
at that time, and he was a firm dissenter from the doctrine 
and rites of the Established Church. The Massachusetts 
Bay Company to whom the freeholders of Gorgeana had 
submitted was composed principally of Puritans; hence that 
Company found it less hard to rob Gorges' heirs of their 
rights than it would have been had they both been Puritans, 
or Episcopalians; had the religious views of both parties 
been reversed it is very doubtful whether Gorges would have 
been disturbed. Such a view seems to be sustained from 
the fact that on the downfall of Cromwell's ''Common- 
wealth" and the accession in 1660 of King Charles, an 
Episcopalian of the strictest sect to the throne of England, 
Sir Ferdinando's grandson, who succeeded to his grand- 
father's estates, asked of the King the restoration to him of 
his rights. The King appointed Commissioners who came 
to York early in the year 1665, and after examining the 
several charters and claims, issued on the 23d of June of 
that year, a proclamation prohibiting both parties from exer- 
cising authority and placed the whole province under the 
protection of the Crown, and so it remained for fifteen long 
weary years, when in 1675, the King confirmed the title to 
the grandson of Gorges, both as to soil and civil and religious 
government. History says, ''Thus after a long struggle the 
Gorges heirs had confirmed to them the rights for which 
they so long contended." 



30 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

But not long did Sir Ferdinando's heir retain his hard- 
earned title, the Massachusetts Bay Company with that 
tenacity of purpose that characterized the Puritans, deter- 
mined against defeat, cast about for means whereby they 
might regain what they had acquired in 1652, and lost in 
1675. On hearing of the King's decision, they at once dis- 
patched an agent to England to treat with the heir of Sir 
Ferdinando, for the relinquishment of his rights, and in 
1677 the grandson of the former Lord Proprietor of the 
Province of Mayne, for a sum less than two thousand pounds 
conveyed all that great territory which had descended to him, 
to the Massachusetts Bay Company, and by this act their 
title became complete. In referring to this matter, Mr. 
Miarshall in his address said : "Now, I do not wish to be 
understood as charging any blame upon the Puritan settlers 
of Massachusetts for this course of proceeding as a reflection 
upon their religious creed. But as a business transaction, 
I think they, aided by their creed, took advantage of the 
adversities of Gorges, and became possessed of his rights in 
a manner uncreditahle to say the least." Thus it will be seen 
that York had been tossed to and fro on the wave of a stormy 
sea of contesting claims for nearly forty years, though the 
seat of government for the Province. But in 1684 the storm 
clouds passed away, the tempestuous sea calmed. President 
Danforth, authorized by the Massachusetts Bay Colony, 
"Ye now Lord Proprietors," confirmed to the inhabitants all 
"rights and privileges" to them formerly granted by Sir 
Fernando Gorges. The manner of conferring these rights 
and privileges was by an indenture, "Between Thomas Dan- 
forth, Esquire, President of His Maj'"^« Province of Mayne 
in New England, on the one part, and Mayor John Davis, 
Mr. Edward Risworth, Capt. Job Alcock and Lieut. Abraham 
Preble, Trustees on the "ye behalf and for ye sole use and 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 3I 

benefit of ye inhabitants of ye town of Yorke." The consid- 
eration embodied in the deed reads, "That they, the above 
said Inhabitants forever hereafter as an acknowledgement of 
Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and his Assigns, right to soyle and 
Government, do pay twelve pence for every family whose 
single country rate is not above two shillings, in a single 
rate, to pay three shillings per family annually in money to 
ye Treasurer of said Province for ye use of ye Chief Pro- 
prietor thereof." 

As Frank D. Marshall says, "Thus it would seem that in 
this instance the Massachusetts Bay Company chose to rest 
on her title as Assignees of Gorges' heirs, rather than by 
her famous interpretation of the line north of the Merrimac." 
Abraham Preble and Edward Risworth were the most promi- 
nent of the Trustees and are remembered. 

Abraham Preble, the senior, was one of the first settlers, 
coming from Scituate, in Plymouth Colony, in about 1641. 
His son, Lieut. Preble, was known as Abraham Preble, 
Junior, and was a Representative of the General Court. 
Preble is a name favorably known in Maine for many years. 
In the home of the writer hangs a portrait, life size in oil, 
of Lydia Preble of the third generation from Abraham, and 
wife of Samuel Moody, great-grandson of Father Moody. 
Of the descendants of Edward Risworth none bear his name. 
He was of English birth and married an English maiden, 
Susan Wheelwright. He became a resident of Gorgeana 
in 1647; was recorder of the court in 1651 and in 1653 was 
chosen Representative to the General Court in Boston, rep- 
resenting York. In 1665, he was appointed one of the 
Justices, but three years later under what would now be 
styled the "recall" he was removed by the Massachusetts 
Bay Company. However, in 1673, he made an apology 
and was reinstated and in 1680-81 he was promoted to the 



32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

position of Chancellor, under the charter acquired of the 
Gorges heirs by the Massachusetts Bay Company. His 
death occurred in 1691. He appears to have been a re- 
sourceful man, and an adept in obtaining office under the 
faction at the time in power. Also he sems to have been 
a faithful public servant, performing his various duties effi- 
ciently. He stood for law, order and all that goes to make 
prosperity in a town and province. It is greatly to be re- 
gretted that the records of the town up to the year 1691 
were destroyed in the great devastation of 1692. A few 
fragmentary pages were found and are restored in Vol. i. 
In writing of Abraham Preble and Edward Risworth we 
are brought to the subject of interest — The First Courts. 

Part III 
I CANNOT do better than to quote from Hon. Nathaniel 
G. Marshall in his popular address following this introduc- 
tion : "When Massachusetts Bay Company took possession 
of the town and County in 1652, York was made the County 
seat or Shire town. The commissioners convened a regular 
courtleet, and named as associate judges, four men, namely, 
Edward Godfrey, Abraham Preble, Edward Johnson and 
Edward Risworth, all inhabitants of the town." Of this 
court, Mr. Marshall in his interesting style says: "The first 
Court holden here under this order of things, was in 1653, 
and was presided over by Chief Justice, Right Worshipful 
Richard Bellingham, assisted by our four distinguished resi- 
dent judges. Now let us pause for a moment and fancy to 
ourselves, if we can, Chief Justice Right Worshipful Rich- 
ard Bellingham, and his four associates, with powdered wigs, 
and flowing robes always donned while in Court, and their 
numerous retainers, under charge of Henry Norton, Es- 
quire, of this town, who was appointed sherifif for the occa- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 33 

sion. Fancy the street through onr Village, and that lead- 
ing to the Court Room as mere pathways on either side of 
which stood the stately pine, the majestic oak, and other 
monarchs of the forest. Fancy, if we can, the personal 
appearance of the suitors who had cases to be tried before 
the Right Worshipful and his four worthy associates. Fancy, 
if we can, the form and texture of the apparel of these 
suitors. Fancy, too, how the ladies appeared on that august 
occasion. Form an opinion, with the aid of fancy, as to 
how many yards of gro de Nap, gro de Swiss, or moire 
antique, their dresses contained. What style of bonnets 
they wore, for they probably did not wear hats then, as 
ladies do now. The men wore hats in that age — the women 
did not. Fancy, if we can, the size and architectural appear- 
ance of the temple of Justice in which this august body held 
its session, and by all means if you can fix its location." 

The first inferior Court under the King's Commissioners 
was held in Wells, July, 1665; one of its orders was that 
every town should cause to be built between that time and 
the sitting of the next Court, a pair of stocks, a cage, and 
a ducking stool, on which to punish common scolds. This 
stool consisted of a long beam movable on a fulcrum, one 
end of which could be extended over the river or a pond of 
water of sufificient depth for the ducking. This beam could 
be let down and drawn up as deemed necessary for the pun- 
ishment of the delinquent, who was secured to a seat at the 
outer end of the beam. Its use appears to have been re- 
quired as punishment for the female sex largely. 

The first Court and Council under the jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts, as rightful administrator of the government, 
was held in York, March 17th, 1680. Thomas Danforth, 
President, Mayor B. Pendleton, Capt. Joshua Scottan, Capt. 
John Davis, Capt. John Wincott, Edward Risworth, Francis 



34 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Hooke, Capt. Charles Frost, and S. Wheelwright, were com- 
missioners for the first year. Warrants for the choice of 
deputies to the General Assembly, to be holden in York, 
were issued, and the session commenced March 30th, 1680. 
Edward Risworth was chosen Secretary, and Francis Hooke, 
Treasurer of the Province. Mayor Brian Pendleton was 
appointed Deputy President, and authorized with the assist- 
ance of other members of the Council, to hold intermediate 
terms of Court. John Davis of York was deputy president 
in 1682. In 1684 the Assembly was composed of president, 
deputy president, assistant to justices and twelve deputies. 
For its adjudication were committed a variety of subjects, 
laws were made and enforced, legal questions settled, estates 
proven, and letters of administration granted, military com- 
missions issued, provision for the public safety in time of 
war was made, roads laid out, religious affairs of towns 
supervised, and, in fact, all matters pertaining to public in- 
terest were superintended. At the opening of every session 
an "Election Sermon," as it was called, was preached. Just 
two hundred and twenty-nine years ago from the day of this 
writing, Rev. Shubael Dummer performed this duty, that is 
to say, in March, 1683. Mr. Danforth was an able and dis- 
creet magistrate, also popular, and as before stated, the 
"storms had passed away" and the people had become recon- 
ciled to the government of the Massachusetts Bay Company. 
In 1685, in the month of April, James II, who had come to 
the throne of England, was proclaimed King in the town. 
The former scheme of a general government for all the 
colonies was favored by the King. The Massachusetts Char- 
ter was recalled, and a President appointed for the whole of 
New England. Joseph Dudley was made president, early 
in 1686, and his council, which was composed of seventeen 
gentlemen residing in different portions of New England, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 35 

was organized at the same time. Tliomas Danforth was 
relieved of his office, and a court consisting of one judge, 
two councillors and a justice from each town in the province. 
Dudley was succeeded by Sir Edmund Andros, whose well- 
known and arbitrary administration came to an end with the 
reign of the King in 1689. After this occurred, President 
Danforth took up the duties of the office, which he doubtless 
exercised until the new charter of 1691 came into effect. 
This instrument set forth and made provision that all the 
territory and colonies known by the names of the Colony 
of Massachusetts Bay, of New Plymouth, Province of Maine, 
Acadia or Nova Scotia, and the tract lying between Nova 
Scotia and the Province of Maine, be incorporated into one 
province by the name of the Province of Massachusetts Bay 
in New England. Maine as far as Nova Scotia was con- 
stituted a county under the name of YORK. In all these 
changes of administration, as Clayton says, "The town took 
a lively interest from the fact that the provincial Courts were 
mainly held here and this for the time being became the 
Capital of the Province." 

Part IV 
This date of 1691 brings us down to the time of the 
Indian wars. Being a border settlement, we or they suffered 
greatly from every incursion of the savages. In fact it 
seemed the purpose of the Indians in all three wars to entirely 
destroy the place and exteiTninate the settlers, but their efforts 
were unsuccessful. The colonists erected garrison houses in 
which they gathered and heroically defended themselves 
against their cunning foes, and though some were the victims 
to the hatred of the wily foe, the settlements extended and 
increased. The most disastrous attack made upon the town 
was on February 5th, 1692 (January 25, '63). I quote here 



36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

from Hon. Nathaniel G. Marshall's manuscript which can 
be relied on as being as nearly authentic as any writer on the 
subject extant : "This was a fatal year * * * on the 
twenty-fifth of January (or Feb. 4) a descent was made by 
a body of Indians at which nearly all the inhabitants on the 
north side of the river were either slain or taken prisoners 
and carried into captivity. * * * This town protected 
in a measure by the villages growing up in the interior and 
on either hand did not suffer much until this year 1692 
* * * when it was nearly annihilated. All the property 
and accumulations recorded in the preceding pages (refer- 
ring to town records), the result of seventy years of toil, 
were swept away and loved ones were either slain or carried 
into captivity by the Indians, who were beyond doubt urged 
on by the French ; and it is a tradition not to be doubted, that 
the Indians who made the attack were commanded by the 
French officers, perhaps in disguise." So far as can be 
learned, every house in the locality spoken of was put to 
the flames, with the exception of the garrison houses and the 
meeting house and Old Jail. One account gives it that the 
foray was planned and equipped in Canada, with York as 
the central point of attack, and that it was composed of 
nearly as many French as Indians, in all nearly two hundred. 
Clayton in his history sets the numbers at three hundred. 
Reaching the outskirts of the settlement at night, the expe- 
dition halted and piled their snowshoes around and upon a 
large rock which is yet pointed out and whose outlines have 
been preserved by the camera. It seems strange at this 
writing that so large a body of hostile men should have 
come from Canada to the southwestern coast, and no warn- 
ing given. After divesting themselves of their foot gear 
snowshoes, they separated, a Frenchman and Indian placing 
themselves at the door of each dwelling. The break of day, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 37 

or discharge of a musket, was to be the signal for the general 
massacre and devastation. Among the first to be killed was 
Rev. Shubael Dummer, who was mounting his horse at his 
home near Roaring Rock. He had started thus early on the 
way to visit a sick and supposed dying parishioner to offer 
the consolation of the holy gospel and religion he professed. 
The life of his wife was spared for the time being — she being 
dragged away from her dead, and the burning home. I 
quote from Frank D. Marshall, LL. D. "Arthur Bragdon, 
Jr., a young man attending his traps, suddenly came upon 
the pile of snowshoes. Realizing their import, knowing 
himself surrounded by an unseen, unmerciful foe, he fled to 
Fort Head at the Harbor and there hid among the rocks. 
Presently an Indian dog appeared with its mouth strapped 
tight, looked at him and trotted away. He knew an Indian 
would soon come, guided by the dog. Again Bragdon start- 
ed on, followed the shore up river and found an old canoe, 
crossed over and gave the alarm to the settlers on the south 
side, who fled for their lives. Had Bragdon been able by 
fire or knife to have destroyed those snowshoes, doubtless 
there would have occurred within sight of Old Agamenticus, 
a struggle as bloody and as famous as any in the Deerfield 
Valley; for the alarm given, the men of Kittery and Ports- 
mouth would have started in pursuit. But it was a hopeless 
chase, the French and Indians had the start by several hours 
though impeded by their captives. Among the latter was a 
sturdy youngster, who escaped. He is known in history as 
Col. Jeremiah Moulton, a scourge to the Indians and a 
valiant officer in the War with France." 

As I rise from my seat at the writing table this February 
morning and look out and down to the seashore, the land at 
and around "Roaring Rock" is covered with snow, the sky 
is clear and the same sun as of two hundred and twenty-one 



38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

years ago sends its beams on a fair village of cottages, villas, 
and hostelries. Midway is the spot where stood a ''garrison 
house" which would have offered shelter and comparative 
safety to the victims of the massacre of that early morn. 
But it was not to be, they are now walking in the pavilions 
of God. And to those who were left, comfort and hope 
came, and ever will until the heavens pass from the earth. 
From this time until 1698 or thereabouts we know but little. 
The history of those six years is but fragmentary. Some 
unknown man has written of those days thus : "When I 
was about nineteen years of age, I was conscripted as a 
soldier and was ordered to be stationed at York, when I first 
came there, there was very little of so much as ye form of 
religion, and no settled ministry ; but on ye contrary an 
abundance of levity and vanity, although it was so soon after 
ye destruction of a great part of ye town by ye Indians." 
In 1695 the inhabitants through a committee of three, Sam- 
uel Donnell, Abraham M. Preble and Arthur Bragdon, were 
relieved in a measure of "ye straits and necessities" by lack 
of a corn mill, by Capt. John Pickerin of Portsmouth, and 
an indenture was executed by the committee and sworn to 
before William Pepperell, Sr. From this some litigation 
was engendered in relation to timber and water rights and 
transmitted for thirty years, and bears fruit even to this day. 
In the year 1698, May i8th. Rev. Samuel Moody, who was 
born in Newbury, Mass., arrived in York and commenced 
his labors. He had been graduated from Harvard but one 
year. The General Court in Boston aided in his support 
by an appropriation of twelve pounds sterling, and the town 
voted "that there is a whous to bie built forth with for yous 
of ye Ministry Ye dimensions as foloeth twenty eight font 
in length and twenty four wied with a Lentoo att one end 
to be two story high with three fire plesses." Twenty pounds 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 39 

were raised for the purpose. Thus Mr. Moody began a 
pastorate of fifty years amid troublous times. He relied 
on the voluntary gifts of his parishioners — sometimes the 
town would vote to "mend his fences," to "cut his grass" 
and to "replenish his supply of fire wood." It was voted 
to "garrison" his twenty-four by twenty-eight "whous" with 
timber of oak or hemlock, with two suitable Baskins or 
Flankers. In 1 710 it was agreed upon to have a new meet- 
ing-house, fifty foot square, and to be built every way pro- 
portionally. This would appear to be the second house of 
worship. It may have been the third, and was if the Church 
Chapel or Oratory spoken of in the Charter of 1641 as being 
the central point from which the borough limits diverged 
was actually built. It was in this place that Capt. John 
Harmon, Joseph Sayward, Micom Mclntire and others were 
given ye hinde seat in our meeting-house in ye gallery, pro- 
vided they fill it." Thus they were provided with ample seat- 
ing room for their families and servants, and the strangers 
within their gates, all of whom were expected to attend divine 
service at least once on the Lord's Day. 



EARLY FAMILIES. 

The lover of genealogical research can find a wide field 
for the occupancy of his time in the perusal of the early- 
records of York. But in this book that part which treats 
of the genealogy of our ancestral times can only be generally 
noted. Time, and the limited space forbids the recording 
of the birth, marriage and death of the Bragdons, Prebles, 
Mclntires, Banes, the families of Came, Banks, McLucas, 
Averhills, Bridges, Freeman, Plaisted, Junkins, Blaisdell, 
Thompson, Sewall, Moulton, Currier, Grant, Swett, Talpey, 
iWeare, Brewster, Grow, Norton, Lunt, Goodwin, Lord, 
Bradbury, Hutchins, Donnell, Webber, Bowden, Baker, 
Kingsbury, Nowell, Risworth, Barrell, Simpson, Trafton, 
Chase, Putnam, Parsons, Raynes, Bracy, Harmon, Moore, 
Emerson, Young, Varrell, Mathews, Moody, Payne, and 
others. It would read like the Book of Chronicles, and of 
many of them St. Paul might be quoted, "All these by faith 
for they looked for a city which hath foundations, whose 
builder and maker is God." 



EARLY PROMINENT MEN 
Abraham Preble 

In 1642 Abraham Preble came to Gorgeana from Scittiate, 
Mass., and became Mayor of the embryo city. And we find 
that he was from that time until his death in January, 1663, 
very active in public affairs. As early as 1645 he was a 
magistrate. In 1647 ^^ was one of the Judges of the prov- 
ince exercising legislative authority, as well as judicial. He 
took a very active part in favor of the measure for bringing 
Maine under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, believing that 
it was greatly for the advantage of the inhabitants of Maine 
to secure the protection of that powerful province. In 1657 
he was appointed to the same office of Judge under the 
authority of Massachusetts, which he continued to hold until 
December, 1662. He was also for several years one of the 
commissioners for York County, which then included the 
whole territory of Maine. He was at one time County 
Treasurer. He was a man of high integrity of character 
and as such was often called to act the role of arbitrator. 
Among the children of Abraham above named and his wife, 
Judith, was another Abraham. He was Register of Deeds 
for York County. In 1702 he was appointed a judge of 
the judicial court for the province of Maine. He was also 
captain of the town or chief commander of all the military 
within its borders. In all he held thirteen offices. The 
youngest son of this Abraham and Hannah Preble was 
Samuel, the youngest son of Samuel and Sarah was Esaias, 
who was four years old when his father died. In 1766 
Esaias married Lydia Ingraham, who was the grand-daugh- 
ter of Joseph Holt, and Elder of the First Church. Although 
bereft of his father at an early age, his courage and ambition 



42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

carried him forward in the activities of life, for we find that 
in 1775 he was at Cambridge with a company of minute men, 
as captain. He was a member of the Convention of Massa- 
chusetts that ratified the constitution of the United States, 
also Representative to the General Court from York, and a 
Selectman for several years, and a colonel of the militia. 
Col. Preble died in 1813, having had by his wife, Lydia, no 
less than fifteen children. 

Among those born in the mansion now owned and occu- 
pied by Malcolm Mclntire was Lydia, who became the wife 
of Deacon Samuel Moody, and William Pitt, who was born 
Nov. 27, 1783, graduated at Harvard College in 1806. In 
1809 he was tutor of mathematics at Harvard, studied law 
in the office of Benjamin Hasey at Topsham, and with Mr. 
Oft in Brunswick, and then passed on to actual practice in 
York. From here he moved to Alfred, and there in 181 1 
he was appointed attorney for York County. He removed 
to Saco in 1813 and there received from President Madison 
in 1 8 14 appointment as District Attorney for the United 
States. From Saco he went to Portland in 1818 and made 
that place his permanent home. He was a member of the 
convention which formed the Constitution of the State of 
Maine, and was one of the three judges composing the high- 
est judicial tribunal of the new State of Maine. He resigned 
from the bench in 1828; was appointed minister plenipo- 
tentiary to the Netherlands by President Jackson. The 
King of Holland having been selected as arbitrator in the 
northeastern boundary dispute, Judge Preble was chosen to 
represent the interests of this country in that important case. 
The controversy was not settled until 1842, when the Web- 
ster-Ashburton treaty established a definite boundary. Great 
Britain claimed nearly all of what is now the County of 
Aroostook. Judge Preble was very influential throughout 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 43 

the whole difficulty. In 1842 as one of the four commis- 
sioners chosen by the Legislature he rendered the last politi- 
cal service of his life in adjusting the terms of settlement. 
He was a zealous and able promoter of the enterprise of 
building the Grand Trunk Railway from Portland to Canada, 
which was opened to the St. Lawrence River in 1853. He 
was married to Nancy Gale Tucker, daughter of Joseph 
Tucker of York, in September, 18 10. Two daughters and 
one son were born to them; the son, William P., became a 
lawyer, and served many years as Clerk of the U. S. District 
Court at Portland. Judge Preble's second wife was Sarah 
A., daughter of Thomas Forsaith, by whom he left one son, 
Edward. 

George Burdette 

This wily and corrupt man was one of the prominent 
men of early York — prominent in much evil. Previous to 
his flight from England to New England where he left a 
destitute and distressed wife and family in 1635, he had had 
trouble. He landed in Salem and was admitted as a free- 
man, and being "an able scholar and of plausible parts and 
carriage," was employed to preach to the church there of 
which he had been received as a member. The discipline of 
the church being too strict for his loose conscience, he went 
to Dover, thence he came to York, and for the period of 
seven or eight months he did a good deal of mischief and 
filled the cup of his iniquity to overflowing. However, he 
departed for England early in 1640 and joined the Royalist 
Army; was taken prisoner and put in prison, and then his 
personality disappears. In the meantime his wife had re- 
ceived a yearly annuity from the Norwich Corporation. Of 
his career in Agamenticus Judge Bourne writes : "Even the 
Rev. George Burdette, a man of cultivated intellect, who 



44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

had enjoyed the good opinion of his fellow prisoners * * * 
sufifered himself to be carried away by the seductions of 
unrestrained liberty. He had been repeatedly guilty of 
adultery and all of those misdemeanors invariably concomi- 
tant. Females of respectable standing, wives of men of 
irreproachable life, were induced to forget their marriage 
vows and fellowship with him in his wickedness." Thomas 
Gorges, Sr Ferdinando's nephew, determined to take the 
necessary steps to stay the influx of vice, which was fast 
undermining the foundation of good citizenship. He caused 
an indictment to be brought against Burdette at the court 
held in Saco, as : "A man of ill name and fame, infamous 
for incontinence, a publisher and broacher of divers danger- 
ous speeches, the better to seduce the weak sex of women 
to his incontinent practices." He was found guilty and 
sentenced to pay ten pounds sterling to the King. He was 
also indicted "for deflouring Ruth, the wife of John Gooch," 
and for this offence he was fined twenty pounds sterling. 
At that period of our history there was not much deference 
paid to the female character, at any rate the people or court 
did not hide their eyes to the transgressions of that sex. 
Women did not get much mercy or sympathy at the hands 
of the courts. 

"Mary the wife of George Puddington was indicted by 
the whole bench for often frequenting the house and com- 
pany of Mr. George Burdette, minister of Agamenticus, 
privately in his bed chamber, and elsewhere in a very sus- 
picious manner, notwithstanding the said Mary was often 
forwarned thereof by her said husband, and the constable 
of the plantation, with divers others, to the great disturbance 
and scandal of the said plantation." And she was required 
to make this public confession: "I, Mary Puddington, do 
hereby acknowledge that I have dishonored God, the place 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 45 

where I live, and wronged my husband by my disoT^edient, 
and light carriage, for which I am heartily sorry, and desire 
the forgiveness of this court and of my husband, and do 
promise amendment of life and manners henceforth," and 
having made this confession she was to ask her husband's 
pardon on her knees. 

Another female who was a participant with Burdette was 
censured by the court and also ordered "to stand in a white 
sheet without other clothing publically in the congregation 
at Agamenticus two several sabbath days, and likewise one 
day at the general court, when she shall be thereunto called 
by one or all of the councillors of the Province." 

It is not to be supposed that on those Sundays "Grace did 
much more abound." And whether or no the standard of 
morality was raised by this scene among the young or even 
those of mature years is a question. But Gorges was deter- 
mined if possible to stay the tide of wrong, and he felt that 
morality and religion were strong supports to a secure and 
prosperous government. 

Henry Sayword 

Henry Sayword (Say ward) was born in England and 
came to this country in 1637. His trade profession was 
that of a mill wright. He was for a time resident of sev- 
eral New Hampshire towns, but being unable to find a loca- 
tion he thought desirable he extended his search to the east 
of the Piscataqua River, and in York found what he sought, 
and here he established himself by means of purchase or 
otherwise obtained a grant of land, rented a dwelling house 
and began the construction of mills "where someteyms the 
ould mill stoode which was erected by Hugh Gayl and Will 
Effingham." He was prosperous for a time and carried on 
a large and paying business. The exact date of his coming 



46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

to York cannot be given, but we find that between the years 
1660 and 1664 the town granted him "fifty acres of upland, 
eighty poles in breadth from his former bounds east, and 
one hundred poles in length running due south." In June, 
1667, Say word contracted with the selectmen to build a 
meeting house for the use of said town. The third article 
of his agreement provides that Sayword shall "inclose the 
said meeting house with good sound plank slabs three inches 
thick, and to battern the said plank sufficiently on the out- 
side, and to cover it with good inch boards on the top and 
with inch and a quarter boards underneath." * * * The 
seats to be removed from the old meeting house (the first 
built) to the new at the town's charge, and Sayword agrees 
to place them (in the new) at his own charge for the most 
convenience. This contract was fully carried out by Say- 
word, who received from the town as compensation three 
hundred and seventy acres of land, twenty of which was a 
"grassy swamp" ; another parcel containing one hundred and 
seventy acres; also twenty poles of land to be added to his 
home lot whereon he had then built a house, together with 
privilege of cutting logs on certain parcels Commons lands 
and other minor privileges. Thus had Sayword become a 
large landholder. Some time in 1668 the Sayword mills 
were destroyed by fire. This was a misfortune which seri- 
ously embarrassed him financially. Thereupon he concluded 
not to rebuild in York, if he could obtain a situation else- 
where with greater water power and larger facilities where- 
by he could enlarge his business to a greater volume than if 
he rebuilt on his old site. Learning of the superior power 
of the Mousam River, then known as Cape Porpus River, 
he visited that locality. An examination of the water power 
privilege led him at once to take m.easures for its possession. 
On making known to the selectmen of Wells his desire to 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 47 

erect mills there if suitable encouragement were given him, 
he was met with a hearty welcome, and with a proposition 
so liberal that he did not hesitate for a moment to accept it. 
And on January 4, 1669, the town of Wells granted to 
Henry Sayword, and James Johnson of York, and Thomas 
Paty of Wells, "liberty to build a saw mill at Cape Porpus 
River Falls, together with the privilege of the said river for 
the transportation of boards and logs. Also liberty to cut 
pitch pine timber on the commons adjoining the river for 
the use of said saw mill." On the same day the town grant- 
ed to Henry Sayword three hundred acres of upland lying 
on the northeast side, and one acre adjoining the falls, on 
the west side of Cape Porpus River. Thus as Judge Bourne 
in his History of Wells and Kennebunk says : "York's loss 
of Sayword became Wells' gain." References to Sayword 
in various papers show clearly that he sustained the character 
of a big-hearted and enterprising citizen, and that he was 
always ready to buy, sell, lease real estate, to make contracts 
or engage in any business pursuit that gave promise of gain, 
but it is also evident that impulsiveness was a prominent 
trait of his character, and to this may be traced his later 
embarrassment, which led to bankruptcy, and perhaps might 
be safely added, to his death, which occurred in the year 
1678. His wife died Dec. 26, 1689; she had borne him five 
children. Charles E. Sayward of Portland is a lineal de- 
scendant, as is Horace Mitchell of Kittery on his maternal 
side. 

Judge Bourne in his History of Wells and Kennebunk, 
writing of Sayward's last years of life, says : 

"Sayward was one of the best of men, but enterprise was 
too prominent an element of his character. He needed 
cautiousness and discretion to check his zeal. He antici- 
pated no failure. Ardent in his pursuits, he never doubted 



48 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

their successful termination. He gave himself to work as 
confident of a favorable issue, as if already reached; and 
thence from a want of considerate previous examination, 
disappointment came from all his exertions. He was in no 
degree extravagant in his domestic economy. There was 
no opportunity for a thoughtless and lavish expenditure. 
He lived on the plainest fare, and all the furniture which 
his wife had to carry on her household administration, was 
three beds, a few old pewter dishes, three keelers, two iron 
pots, two brass kettles, two old tubs, a tramel and pot hooks, 
a spit and irons, two water pails, a pair of cards, two table 
boards, a spinning wheel, meat trough and chest. This we 
should now regard as rather poor provision for comfortable 
life. Chairs were not then in vogue extensively. But all 
his struggles, notwithstanding his economy, left him in com- 
plete insolvency at the close of life; so that nothing remained 
for his wife and children but her dower in his real estate, 
and the memory of his virtues and manly character. Fifty 
years' hard labor closing in poverty seems to have been a 
severe destiny. Left almost penniless, his wife, Mary, after 
what she had passed through, was obliged to remove to some 
more public place and resort to the low business of rum 
selling without license, to keep herself from becoming a 
burden to the people. 

Samuel Moody 

Rev. Samuel Moody was born in Newbury, Mass., Jan- 
uary 4, 1675. He was the son of Caleb, who was the son 
of William, who came to this country from Wales, British 
Isles, in 

He graduated at Harvard; commenced his labors as a 
minister in York, being ordained Dec. 20, 1700, as the sue- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 49 

cessor of the lamented Shnbael Dummer, and to quote from 
a work of Rev. Riifus M. Sawyer of Middleboro, Mass., 
published in 1866: 

And he was just the man to beautify sinful men with the 
features of moral loveliness, and perfection, and raise up the 
pillars of a prostrate church in troublous times. He had 
felt the power of divine things in earlier life. He had evi- 
dently walked thoughtfully as in hearing of the ocean of 
eternity, and his soul 

"Could in a moment travel thither 
And see the children sport upon the shore, 
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore." 

As he looked up into the heavens, 

"The clouds were touched, 
And in their silent faces did he read 
Unutterable love." 

He heard the voice of God in the wind and saw His hand 
in every gift. In prayer, in deep reflection, during the 
watches of the night, in his study as he read the Book of 
Books, and in meditation under the open sky, he felt the 
presence of a divine almighty spirit in his own soul — in his 
own blessed experience. The hearts of men, the change in 
communities, the destiny of nations, he saw were at God's 
disposal. 

He had strong faith. This appears in many instances of 
prayer, and in the way he provided for himself and family. 
Added to his zeal and earnestness in his Master's service 
was strong sympathy for men in want or suffering, and 
readiness to give of his substance for their relief. Meet- 
ing a beggar, and taking out his purse, and finding it difficult 
to untie it — his wife having purposely made it so, to prevent 



50 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

his giving before a little reflection — he concluded the Lord 
intended he should give the whole, so he handed over to the 
beggar both his money and his purse. But he had other 
virtues than those of benevolence, zeal and faith. There 
were stern features to his character. He was bold and fear- 
less. Col. Ingraham's wife was a very fashionable lady, 
and appeared at church occasionally in a very showy dress. 
According to the fashion of that day, one Sabbath morning 
she came "szvccping into church," in a new dress very much 
inflated with hoop skirts. "Here she comes," said Father 
Moody from the pulpit, "here she comes, top and top, gallant 
rigged most beautifully, and sailing most majestically; but 
she has a leak that will sink her to hell," * * * There 
are many anecdotes illustrating his various traits of char- 
acter, but space will not permit their reproduction. What 
he accomplished during his ministry in York cannot be fully 
described. * * * Xhe work of a faithful, devoted ser- 
vant of God may be learned from the records of eternity, 
but not from those of time. Yet there was a great change 
visible to mortal eye and understanding in the community. 
Now family worship was observed in nearly every dwelling. 
When Mr. Moody came to York it was given up to levity 
and wickedness; now it was filled with love, joy and peace. 
Then the church numbered twenty, now it contained three 
hundred and seventeen members. * * * What a change 
to be produced under God principally by the labors of one 
man. He closed his labors at seventy-two "in great distress 
of body." During his last hours, Joseph, his son, sat behind 
him on the bed holding him in his arms. When he ceased 
to breathe and the people began to remark that he was gone, 
his son exclaimed with a loud voice, "And Joseph shall put 
his hand upon thine eyes." He then closed his father's eyes 
and laid the lifeless body back on the bed. His grave is but 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 5 1 

a few rods from the old meeting house which was built the 
year he died, and beside the graves of those he loved. On 
the stone at its head is this inscription: 

Here lies the body 

of the Revd. 

Samuel Moody, A. M. 

The zealous, faithful, and successful pastor of 

the First Church of Christ in York; 

Was born in Newbury, January 4, 1675, 

graduated 1697, came hither May 16, 1698, 

Ordained in December 1700, and 

died here Nov. 13, 1747, for his 

further character read the 2nd 

Corinthians 3rd chapter, 

and first six verses. 

Mr. Moody was first married to Hannah Sewall, the only 
daughter of John Sewall of Newbury. She died Jan. 29, 
1728, at the age of fifty-one years. They had three children, 
namely, Joseph, minister of the Second Congl. Parish in 
York, Mary, who became the wife of Rev. Joseph Emerson 
of Maiden, and Lucy, who died in infancy. Father Moody 
wrote several treatises and books, which were published; 
among them, "Vain Youth Summoned to Appear at ( ?) 
Bar," 1701 ; "The Doleful State of the Damned," 1710; 
"Judas the Traitor Hung up in Chains to Give Warning to 
Professors," 1714; "The Way to Get Out of Debt, and the 
Way to Keep Out of Debt," 1721. 

Samuel and Nathaniel Donnell, son and grandson, 
respectively, of Henry Donnell, the common New England 
ancestor of that family, who sailed from London in 1635 at 
the age of twenty-three years. Henry Donnell was the first 
of that name to settle in York. He married Frances, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Reading, of Saco. Their son Samuel was 



52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

born in 1646. He became a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas Oct. 10, 1699, taking the place of Job Alcock. He 
was also a Councillor in 1692 and 1700 under the charter 
of Massachusetts granted by William and Mary. He died 
March 9, 17 18. 

Nathaniel, a son of Samuel and his wife Alice (Chad- 
bourne) was born Nov. 19, 1689. He married Hannah, 
daughter of John Preble, as appears in the section devoted 
to York at Louisburg. Nathaniel was a colonel in the ex- 
pedition of Gen. Pepperell. He was a large landed pro- 
prietor and a large portion of the ocean frontage from York 
River to Cape Neddick stream was under his control. He 
died Feb. 9, 1780. On his gravestone in the old burying 
ground is this inscription : 

"In memory of Nathaniel Donnell, Esq. (son of the Hon. 
Samuel Donnell, one of the Council named in the charter of 
William and Mary), who was born Nov. 19, 1689, and died 
Feb. 9, 1780, 7E gi. 

"He was strictly just, universally charitable, and eminently 
pious, patient and cheerful in adversity, and without pride 
or vanity in prosperity, in high estimation of all his acquaint- 
ances in every stage of life. May his descendants imitate his 
virtues and perpetuate his name with honor to posterity." 

The Fitzgeralds. (King David) 

The prominent Fitzgeralds in this country today are of 
comparatively modern origin in comparison with the family 
of that name in York, which was founded in about 1700. 
Patrick Fitzgerald immigrated from Ireland. His son, 
David, was born previous to 1740, as near as can be learned, 
in 1738. He was styled "King David" and in 1765 held 
almost kingly sway in the section round about Agamenticus. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 53 

The clan increased rapidly in numbers as the years passed 
on, and in lapse of a century from King David's birth had 
reached the number of three score. The voting members 
were considered a valuable asset to the party or cause with 
which they affiliated, "for as one went, so went all." In 
the early days their style of speech was peculiar, in fact as 
a people they were considered peculiar, and yet possessed 
of sterling traits of character, not the least of which was 
the love of home. And even in later years the descendants 
of Patrick are imbued with the feeling of love for home, 
and it is crossing to them to be called upon to carry out in 
full a contract that requires absence for a lengthy continuous 
period. 

David, grandson of King David, was born in 1817. He 
served in the war for the preservation of the Union from 
1 86 1 to 1865, ^s appears in another part of this book. 

It may not be out of place to say that it was a unique 
scene when King David marshaled the clan and in the lead 
of fifteen or more teams loaded with chestnut oak wood 
passed through Cape Neddick Village to the Landing, where 
it was to be shipped to market ; returning in the same order 
of march, rejoicing in the so-called good cheer of those days. 

Major Samuel Sewall 

Samuel Sewall, the noted engineer and master mechanic, 
was born in York, September 14, 1724. He deceased July 
23, 18 1 5. In 1 76 1 he designed and built the first pier or 
pile bridge in the United States, known then and now as 
*'Sewairs Bridge." 

As early as 1742 the parish had voted that they were will- 
ing that there should be a bridge built across York River, 
at or near where Capt. Samuel Sewall keeps a ferry, and 



54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

after nearly twenty years the bridge was built. Among 
other prominent men who were active in the matter so far 
as the First Parish was concerned, were Capt. Nathaniel 
Donnell, Joseph Holt, Samuel Bragdon, Jr., Samuel Mill- 
bury, and Thomas Donnell. The method of construction 
was the erection of a whole section, or bent, at one time. 
This contained four piles of the proper length, the river 
bottom having been probed and marked for each required 
length, this being capped by the cap sill securely. This being 
done on the river bank, at the still of the tide, it was floated 
to its place and set upright. A large and lengthy oak log 
being fastened by the top inland, the butt was raised by 
tackle to a height of fifteen or more feet and by the striking 
of the latch lock the tackle was released and the log fell with 
much force on the cap over each pile, and in time the section 
was driven to the proper position. Later Major Sewall 
was employed to build a similar bridge between Boston and 
Charlestown. The building of the York Bridge caused a 
sensation in the world of mechanics at that time. 

Hon. Alexander McIntire was the son of Micum Mc- 
Intire 3rd. Micum McIntire, the ancestor of the York 
Mclntires, came from Scotland and settled in Berwick, a 
precinct of the town of Kittery, and had fifty acres of land 
granted him, Feb. 9, 1663. In June, 1670, John Pierce 
deeded land to the above named Micum in York. Micum 
also married the daughter of Mr. Pierce. It was along in 
these years that the McIntire Garrison House was built. 
Micum McIntire 2nd settled on the southwest side of York 
River opposite Micum ist. Micum the 3rd married an 
Allen, and among their children was Alexander, the subject 
of this sketch, who married and had children, the first being 
Edgar A., who succeeded his father as Town Clerk. Micum 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 55 

the 1st and his son built the Garrison House. Hon. Alex- 
ander Mclntire served his town, county, state and country 
in a faithful manner. He was Representative and Senator, 
Collector of Customs, a Selectman, Town Clerk, and Justice 
of the Peace. His son, Edgar, married a daughter of Capt. 
John S. Thompson. Among the many descendants of Micum 
were Major General Jeremiah Mclntire and John Mclntire, 
whose grandson is now Treasurer of the Town of York. 
In evidence of the regard that Alexander Mclntire was held 
the following from the records of the town is appended. 
At a town meeting held July 3, 1852, the following reso- 
lutions were presented and unanimously adopted : 

"Whereas, it has pleased the great disposer of all events 
to remove from among us by death, our late, able and effi- 
cient Clerk, the Hon. Alex. Mclntire. 

"Therefore — Be it resolved by the inhabitants of this town, 
in Town Meeting assembled for the choice of his successor — 
in view of his able and efficient services as a Town officer for 
more than forty years ; that we feel the loss we have sus- 
tained by his death, and that his virtues as a citizen and 
Townsman are not forgotten by us. 

"Resolved that we sympathize with his family in the loss 
they have sustained as a husband and father. And 

"Resolved that the foregoing preamble and resolution be 
entered at large upon the Records of the Town." 

Isaac Lyman 

Rev. Isaac Lyman settled in York, 1749. He was born 
in South Hampton, Mass., Feb. 25, 1725. He was pastor 
of the First Church of Christ in York forty-five years. 

Dr. Job Lyman, a brother of Rev. Isaac, both sons of 
Moses Lyman of South Hampton, married Abigail, daugh- 



56 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

ter of Jeremiah Moulton of York. Their second daughter 
married Edward Emerson, Esq., of York. Their ninth 
daughter married Samuel Lunt. The family name of Ly- 
man is now extinct in York, but there are many descendants 
of Rev. Isaac and Doctor Lyman in Maine and Massachu- 
setts. 

Hon David Sewall 

Was born in York Oct. 7, 1735, deceased Oct. 22, 1825. 
He married first Mary Parker. His second wife was Eliz- 
abeth Langdon. He built and occupied the mansion at the 
Village now owned by Rev. Frank Sewall, D. D., and called 
Coventry Hall, after the ancestral home of the Sewalls in 
England. He was a man of eminent character. In fact, 
he was the foremost man in York for two generations. He 
was an able lawyer, a just judge, a devout Christian, and 
withal a philanthropist in the full acceptation of the term. 
He was in the class at Harvard which graduated in 1755; 
admitted to the bar in 1760. He was actively interested in 
all matters for the advancement of the town, and for sixty 
years his name is recorded on almost every page of the 
record which includes the doings of the voters at town meet- 
ings. His body was interred in the "old burying ground" 
and upon the stone that marks the place is the following: 

"Consecrated to the memory of the Hon. David Sewall, 
LL. D. 

An elevated benevolence was happily directed by an en- 
lightened intellect. Conscientious in duty, he was ever 
faithful in its discharge. Piety with patriarchal simplicity 
of manners conspired to secure him universal esteem. His 
home was the abode of hospitality and friendship. In him 
the defenceless found a Protector, the poor a Benefactor, 
the community a Peacemaker, Science, Social Order, and 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 57 

Religion an efficient Patron. Distinguished for his patriot- 
ism, talents and integrity, he was early called to important 
public offices which he sustained with fidelity and honor. 
Having occupied the Bench of the Supreme Court of the 
State and District Court of the U. States with dignified 
uprightness for forty years without one failure of attend- 
ance, he retired from public in 1818, and died Oct. 22, 1825, 
aged XC years. 

Death but entombs the body, 
Life the soul." 



YORK IN COLONIAL WAR — LOUISBURG 

In 1743 England and France were at peace, but mutter- 
ings of approaching hostilities were heard, Louis XV was 
King of France and George 11 ruled Great Britain. With 
each successive war the English colonies were engaged in 
strife with their French neighbors, each in earnest for the 
success of fatherland. 

At this time a large portion of that territory now known 
as the "Dominion of Canada" and the Provinces, or the 
British possessions in North America, was under the pro- 
tection of the French. In October, 1743, Governor Shirley 
of Massachusetts in a letter to Col. William Pepperell of 
Kittery, who commanded the York County Regiment, said 
that he had received word from England that peaceful rela- 
tions were likely soon to be dissolved. Col. Pepperell sent 
a copy of the Governor's letter to all the Captains in his 
command, and added his own words as follows : "I hope 
that He who gave us breath will give us courage and pru- 
dence to behave ourselves like true born Englishmen." 

Louisburg in 1736 had become a fortified seaport, six 
million dollars had been expended from 171 5 to the above 
date to make it so, and it was a most important strategical 
position in the defense of French colonies along the Gulf 
and St. Lawrence River. Situated on the island of Cape 
Breton, which seems to guard the approach to the gulf and 
river, the French had re-named what was known in 1713 
as "English Harbor" and called it "Louisburg," after the 
then reigning King Louis XIV. It is interesting to read 
the details of the elaborate work of the French engineers in 
making this place what France had designed it to be — the 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 59 

strongest fortress in America, but space will not allow, or 
time to recount it in this article which primarily intended 
to deal with "York at Louisburg." 

When war was declared by France in March, 1744, and 
by Great Britain in April, and preparations by the govern- 
ment of the Province of Massachusetts looking to the send- 
ing of an expedition against what was a "thorn in the flesh 
of New England — Louisburg," the governments of New 
York, the Jerseys, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island 
and New Hampshire were asked "to accompany and follow" 
the force of the Province with men and vessels. The com- 
mand of the expedition was given to Col. William Pepperell, 
who at the time of his appointment was forty-nine years old. 
His rank was that of Lieutenant General, which commissions 
he had received from three Provinces, Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, and Connecticut. Col. Jeremiah Moulton of 
York was in command of the 3d Regiment, Capt. John Har- 
mon was at the head of Campany 6 of the ist Regiment, 
which was Col. Pepperell's. Dr. Burrage says he has not 
been able to find a list of Harmon's men — but it is known 
that Benjamin Harmon was his Lieutenant, and Joseph 
Adams his Ensign. Both Moulton and Harmon had seen 
hard service in the wars with the Indians, which the French 
had instigated. 

All the troops rendezvoused in Boston for transportation. 
Jonathan Sayward of York was captain of one of the trans- 
ports. In expressing his desire to take part in the expedition 
Capt. Harmon wrote to Col. Pepperell as follows: 

York, February 16, 1744. 
To the Hon. William Pepperell, Esquire, Brigadier General at 

Kittery, per Capt. Beal. 
Hon'd Sir: 

This waits on you with my duty, wishing you all the success and 
comfort that prosperity can afford you, in the great trust reposed 



60 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

in you. May the conduct of Heaven always attend you in every 
scene of life. The Providence of God blessing me with so good a 
measure of health, and my inclinations being strong to wait on you 
to Louisburg, I am persuaded there is something yet for me to do 
there before I leave the world. And as your smile is all I crave 
in order to my going with you, I shall look for my reward either 
in the coming world, if I am called of? in the cause of my King and 
country, or as you see I deserve if ever I return to New England. 
If you will favour me with a line in answer, I shall look upon it as 
a token of your regard. I beg leave, Honored Sir, to subscribe 
myself, 

Your dutiful humble servant, 

Johnson Harmon. 

Capt. Nathaniel Donnell of York also commanded a com- 
pany in the ist Regt. and of its roster the following names 
have been preserved : Josiah George, Sergeant Dotson, Shu- 
bael Boston, Joseph Boston, Jonathan Say ward, John Clem- 
ent, David Monson, Leavitt. 

Francis Raynes was one of the prominent York men who 
took part in the siege, also Zebulon Preble, whose descend- 
ants live at Brixham. Seventeen of Capt. Harmon's "snow- 
shoe" men enlisted in February, and ten under Ensign James 
Donnell. York had an enrolled militia at that time of 350 
men. Of these, twelve under Capt. Sewall signed a paper 
setting forth that they were intending to enlist, but wanted 
to know who would be their captain. Joseph Webber was 
a sergeant, Daniel Young a corporal, Joshua Ramsdell and 
James Hays also served, and John Kingsbury, of whom 
Frank D. Marshall, Esquire, of Portland, writes: "I had a 
great-great-great-grandfather, John Kingsbury of York, who 
as a boy of eighteen was at Louisburg, and there lost a leg. 
Years ago I came across a receipt given him by L. D. Leo- 
pold, surgeon, who performed the operation of amputation. 
* * * Kingsbury stumped around on his wooden leg for 
more than sixty years afterward; was a Selectman, Justice 
of the Peace, and one of the committee on the Crisis of 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 6l 

1774." It is to be regretted that the names of all the men 
from York who participated in the expedition are not extant, 
for it can not be doubted that the influence of men like Jere- ' 
miah Moulton, who was a member of the Provincial Coun- 
cil, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and Treasurer of / 
York, of Capt. Harmon, Doctor Bulman and others, would 
go far in matter of the response of York in making good in 
personnel and numbers. 

In concluding this story I will take up the services of the 
Chaplain and Surgeon of the expedition, who were both 
York men. I should have spoken earlier of John Sweet, 
who was Surgeon's mate at the request of Doctor Alexander 
Bulman, who was an eminent physician and surgeon of his 
day. 

After the capture of the fortress and city much sickness 
prevailed, and from November to January, 1746, there were 
561 burials in Louisburg, and Gen. Pepperell's command had 
been reduced to less than one thousand men who were fit for 
service. This large degree of sickness wore on Dr. Bulman 
and he was stricken with a critical illness. Gen. Pepperell, 
writing to Mrs. Pepperel, said : "And now, my dear, I must 
tell you something of the distress and anguish of my soul. 
My prudent and valiant Dr. Bulman, although he has held 
his health finely until about six days past, was taken with 
a nervous fever and given over. I expected the day past 
he would not have lived, but blessed be God there is some 
hope this morning. The Lord in great mercy continues him 
to us, if it is His holy will." Not long after the sorrowful 
news was brought to York of the death of Dr. Bulman, and 
thus passed across a "prudent and valiant man," who was 
sincerely mourned in York and adjoining towns, in Boston 
and wherever he was known. 



62 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Rev. Samuel Moody, who was pastor of the First Church 
of Christ in York, was seventy years old at the time of the 
organization of the expedition, and at the request of Gen. 
Pepperel became the Chaplain. He must have had a strong 
constitution to enable him to go on this tiresome voyage of 
six or seven hundred miles under the circumstances and 
surroundings incident to such undertakings. Some of his 
friends tried to dissuade him from his purpose; but he said, 
'*No, there never was a bullet made to hit me." He entered 
upon the expedition with great zeal, and predicted that 
Louisburg would be taken, and that he should cut down the 
cross and images of Papal worship. On stepping on board 
the transport at Boston he seized an axe, exclaiming "The 
sword of the Lord and of Gideon," and after the place was 
taken he shouldered his axe and went up to the images and 
actually cut them down as predicted.* In the mass house 
there, he preached the first Protestant sermon ever heard on 
the island, from these words : "Enter into his gates with 
thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful 
unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his 
mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all genera- 
tions." — Psalms, lOO, 4-5. 

It would appear that almost an uncommon series of provi- 
dential interpositions gave the strongest fortress in America 
into the hands of the Provincial and British forces. It is 
said that "Father Moody's" son Joseph, who was supplying 
the pulpit of his father during his absence, was at Louisburg 
in spirit if not in person, and on the day of the surrender 
made one of those wresting, overcoming, conquering prayers, 
a type of those of the patriarchs and prophets of old. 

It was at a dinner given by Gen. Pepperel, after the sur- 
render of Louisburg, and in commemoration, that Mr. Moody 
* Appendix in memoir of Rev. Joseph Emerson. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 63 

craved that remarkable blessing at the table, which was at 
once concise and to the admiration as well as happy disap- 
pointment of all present. Sir William, well knowing with 
others of Mr. Moody's prolixity on such occasions, was fear- 
ful that the dinner might get cold, or the British officers 
offended, or both; yet knowing his arbitrary and independ- 
ent disposition, no one would take the liberty to suggest to 
him that he be brief in addressing the Throne of Grace. 
When all was ready, the chief in command spoke to Mr. 
Moody that dinner was ready. He, all unconscious of their 
feeling, approached the table, and lifting up his hands, they 
were agreeably surprised when he expressed himself in this 
apt and laconic manner, which his friends took down in 
writing: "O Lord, we have so many things to thank Thee 
for that time will be infinitely too short to do it. We must 
therefore leave it for the work of ETERNITY. Bless our 
food and fellowship on this joyful occasion, for Christ's sake. 
Amen." 



YORK IN THE REVOLUTION 

The War of the Revolution or Independence began July 
4, 1776. Previous to that the Americans had been fighting 
in defence of their rights as British subjects. Washington 
had said : "When I first took command of the Continental 
Army, I abhorred the idea of Independence." Who shall 
say that here in York, in a legal town meeting more than 
three years before the writing of Thomas Jefferson's im- 
mortal document, was not put forth the first Declaration? 
The record says (Vol. II, Page 166) that Dec. 28, 1772, 

"At a legal town meeting holden in York, Joseph Simp- 
son, Esq., was chosen Moderator. 

"ist. Resolved. That as the Inhabitants of this town 
are faithful and loyal subjects of his most Gracious Majesty, 
King George, the third, they are well entitled to his most 
gracious favor, and to be protected and secured not only in 
their natural and constitutional rights as Englishmen, Chris- 
tians and subjects, but in all the rights and privileges con- 
tained in the Royal Charter of this Province. 

"2nd. Resolved. As the opinion of this Town, that 
divers of those Rights, Liberties, and Privileges have been 
broken in upon and much infringed to the great grievance 
of this town, and justly alarming to the Province. 

"3d. Resolved. That in the opinion of this Town, it 
is highly necessary some just and reasonable measures be 
adopted for the speedy redress of such grievances, so bur- 
thersome and distressing to us, which if made known to 
our most gracious Sovereign, we cannot but flatter ourselves 
(as our cause is just) that he will be pleased to remove them. 



HISTORY OF THE I OWN OF YORK 65 

"4th. VOTED, that our Representative at the General 
Court use his utmost endeavors and influence for the speedy 
redress of our Grievances, in such wise, moderate and pru- 
dent way and manner as shall appear to him most likely to 
take effect and as his wisdom and judgment shall dictate. 

"VOTED. That the Clerk give out a Copy of the Pro- 
ceedings of the Town at this meeting to the Selectmen, who 
are desired to transmit the same to the Selectmen of Boston. 
With the thanks of this Town to that Town for the early 
care they have taken of our invaluable rights and the Zeal 
they have for preserving the same. 

"Daniel Moulton, Tozvn Clerk." 

The main part of our declaration made one year and 
twenty odd days subsequent to the First, is found in Vol. 
2, pages 169 and 172 of the Records, and is as follows: 

"At a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the 
town of York regularly assembled at the Town House on 
Monday, the 20th day of January, 1774. The Hon. John 
Bradbury, Esquire, was chosen moderator. The town im- 
mediately proceeded to choose a committee, namely, the 
Hon. John Bradbury, Esq., Thomas Bragdon, Esq., Capt. 
Joseph Holt, Capt. Daniel Bragdon, Capt. Edward Grow, 
Capt. John Stone, and Mr. John Kingsbury, to consider in 
what manner the town sentiments may be best expresesd on 
the present important crisis and make report to this meeting 
on adjournment. Voted this meeting be adjourned to to- 
morrow, two of the clock afternoon. Upon adjournment, 
viz., Tuesday, Jan. 21st, two o'clock of the afternoon. The 
said Committee appointed by the Town to consider in what 
manner sentiments may best be expressed on the present 
crisis; beg leave to report. The Committee reported, which 
with the amendments are as follows : — 



/ 



66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

"ist. That the people in the British American Colonies, 
by their Constitution of Government have right to freedom 
and an exemption from every degree of oppression and 
slavery. 

"2nd. That it is an essential right of Freeman to have 
the disposal of their own property and not to be taxed by 
any power over which they can have no control. 

"3rd. That the Parliamentary duty laid upon teas landed 
in America for the express purpose of raising a revenue is 
in effect, a tax upon the Americans without their consent. 

"4th. That the several Colonies and Provinces in Amer- 
ica have ever recognized the Protestant Kings of Great 
Britain as their Lawful Sovereigns and it doth not appear 
that any Parliament have been parties to any contract made 
with American settlers in this howling wilderness. 

"5th. That this Town approves the Constitutional Ex- 
ertions and struggles made by the opulent colonies through- 
out the continent for preventing so fatal a catastrophe as is 
implied in taxation without representation and that we are, 
and always will be, ready in every constitutional way to 
give all assistance in our Power to prevent so dire a calamity. 

"6th. That the dread of being enslaved ourselves and of 
transmitting the chains to our posterity, is the principal in- 
ducement to these measures. 

"7th, VOTED: That the sincere thanks of this town 
are justly due, and hereby are given to all such persons in 
this and the several Provinces and Colonies on the Ameri- 
can Continent ; especially to our brethren of the Town of 
Boston, so far as they have constitutionally exerted them- 
selves in support of their just privileges and liberties. 

"Which was read paragraph by paragraph and accepted, 
and thereupon 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 67 

"VOTED that the Town Clerk transmit a fair copy to 
the Town Clerk of Boston ; and then the meeting was dis- 
solved. 

"Daniel Moulton, Toimi Clerk." 

The concluding part of the grand old record which gives 
ns a view of the character of our ancestors of those times 
is on page 177, Vol. II, and was written a month before 
that paper which contains illustrious names headed by John 
Hancock. 

"At a meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabitants 
of the Town of York, qualified to vote in Town meetings, 
regularly assembled on Wednesday, June 5th, 1776, The 
Hon. John Bradbury, Esq., chosen moderator. 

"Unanimously voted, that the Representative of this Town 
now at the General Court, be advised : That if the Honor- 
able Congress should, for the safety of the Colonies, declare 
them Independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, they, 
the said inhabitants, will solemnly engage with their Lives 
and Fortunes to support them in the measures." 

Speaking of these several meetings and votes, Hon. N. 
G. Marshall in his address says: "You will observe copies 
of these resolves and votes were directed to be sent to Bos- 
ton. Now if Mr. Jefferson had written his declaration in 
Boston (and wbo can say he did not) some would be so 
ungenerous as almost suspect that he might possibly have 
had a peep at our declaration before he wrote his. Suppose 
Mr. Jefferson's declaration had preceded ours a length of 
time as long as ours preceded his, what would be said 
at this day? Would it not be said ours was copied sub- 
stantially from his? Who gave our ancestors the idea of 
'taxation without representation?' Was it Mr. Jefferson? 
How many in this 'howling wilderness' knew much about 



68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Mr. Jefferson? Who gave him the same expressed ideas? 
Did he obtain it from our ancestors, Who knows, In 
justice to the noble patriot, Thomas Jefferson, and our noble 
ancestors, I will presume that the spirit of liberty dictated 
to him and them the same ideas, which found utterance in 
exact similarity of expression. Our ancestors were a set of 
noble men. The careful study of their transactions as spread 
out upon our early records, show they were men of no mean 
calibre. They acted and put themselves upon the record 
fearlessly. With them there was no circumlocution, no 
fawning to secure position or favor can be charged to them. 
When they learned what was their right, they went straight 
to the mark, and did their known duty, fearlessly disregard- 
ing consequences." 

It appears that these patriotic resolutions that had been 
adopted by the voters of York were well maintained during 
the struggle following. Word was received from Lexing- 
ton in the late evening of that battle day. Early next morn- 
ing the inhabitants met, a company of more than sixty men 
was enlisted, and furnished with arms and munitions as well 
as knapsacks filled with provisions. The command was 
given to Johnson Moulton, and they marched fifteen miles 
that day toward Boston and also crossed the same ferry at 
Portsmouth, which two of them when returning from the 
war crossed and paid with 07ie fare. They were scant of 
money, having between them the amount asked for one 
passage. The larger man asked the ferryman if his burden 
could cross free and on receiving an affirmative response 
at once placed his companion on his shoulder and embarked, 
keeping him there until a landing was made on the eastern 
shore. 

The town of York had the honor of putting into the serv- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 69 

ice of the field the first soldiers from Maine. Capt. Moulton 
continued in the service and was made Lieut. Colonel of , 
Scammon's Regiment. He became Sheriff of the County. 
Many of his descendants live in York and are enterprising 
and respected residents. The several actions the town took 
while the war was in progress may be found in the town 
records. In 1775, a military watch was ordered kept at 
night at the mouth of the river. In 1777 a bounty of six 
pounds was offered to every member of the militia who would 
enlist in the army. In 1778, it was voted to purchase shoes, 
stockings, and shirts ; this was the year of Valley Forge, of 
which more later. 

The Selectmen at the beginning of the war were Dr. Ed- 
ward Swett, Edward Grow, Joseph Grant, Samuel Hains, 
and Jeremiah Weare. History in the form of the Maine 
records in the Massachusetts archives has preserved the 
names of the patriot soldiers of York. Her sons fought 
on nearly every battlefield of the war and the voters of York 
were zealous patriots and appropriated money and liberally 
furnished supplies. In the Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 10, 
page 81, may be found the roster of Capt. Samuel Darby of 
Old York Company belonging to the 2nd Massachusetts 
Regiment, John Bailey, Colonel, of the ninety-nine at Valley 
Forge. I will give the names of those from York: 

"A Return of Capt. Samuel Darby's Company: In Col. 
John Bailey's Regiment, Belonging to the Massachusetts 
Bay in the Army of the United States. 

"Valley Forge, Jan. 25th, 1778. 

"Samuel Darby, Old York; Eliakin Hilton, Ensign; 
Daniel Webber, Sergeant; John Young, Corporal; Stephen 
Young, Corporal; Privates: James McDonald, Edward 
Moore, Joseph Parsons, Spencer Perkings, Daniel Preble, 



yO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

John Perkings, William Preble (Killed in Battle), Abra- 
ham Preble, Henry Sayward; (Deserted) Paul Webber, 
Nathaniel Young. 

"A true Rool, 

"Samuel Darby, Capt." 

The eminent antiquarian, Nathan Goold, Esquire, says: — 
"Capt. Samuel Darby, belonged in York, Me. He was 
a Captain in Col. James Scammon's Regt. that marched to 
Cambridge soon after the battle of Lexington and served 
in Gen. Heath's Brigade, in Gen. Putnam's Division, until 
Dec. 31, He commanded a company in Col. Prescott's 7th 
Continental Regt. in 1776 and joined Col. Bailey's 2nd Mas- 
sachusetts Regiment January ist, 1777. He was commis- 
sioned Major in Lieut. Col. Brooks' 7th Massachusetts Reg- 
iment Nov. ist, 1778, and afterwards served in Col. Michael 
Jackson's 8th Massachusetts Regt. His wife's name was 
Mary, and he died in 1807." 

Capt. Darby must have served several years in the army 
and the foregoing service named shows that he was a gallant 
officer, and one of those brave men that we have a right and 
are proud to call our own. In the company of Capt. James 
Donnell of York, who was furloughed in the winter of 1777- 
78, was Henry Sewall, first lieutenant; Jonathan Donnell 
and Zachariah Gatchell, sergeants; John Gibson, sergeant 
major; Benjamin Trafton, corporal; Matthias Beal, drum- 
mer, and Daniel Bragdon, Will Couch, Joshua McLucas, 
Daniel Sargent, James Williamson, and Daniel Preble. In 
Capt. Silas Burbank's company, Charles Sargent. In the 
company of Capt. Billy Porter, was John Freeman and John 
Freeman, Jr. In the company of Capt. Daniel Wheelwright 
of Wells, Josiah Bragdon, Josiah Parsons, Richard Adams 
and Jotham Baker, were lieutenants, a sergeant and corporal, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 7 1 

and Stephen Bridges, John Beal, Abraham Facundus, Peter 
Grant (who died January 25th, 1777), Shubael Nason, John 
Sutton, Oliver Plumbery, Abraham Pribble, Archibald Rut- 
lege, Abraham Sawyer, and Ebenezer Young, In Capt. 
Nicholas Blaisdell's company were John Bedel, sergeant; 
John Cellars (John Cartisle, Ceaser Prince, John Philips), 
William Conway and John Davidson. In other companies 
were Solomon Bloome, Timothy Donnell. The foregoing 
hailed from York, with the exception of Capts. Burbank and 
Wheelwright and Blaisdell, and were in regiments other 
than Col. John Bailey's, viz.. Cols. Brewer, Tupper, Wiggles- 
worth and Voses. 

Thus may be seen that forty men from York endured with 
fortitude the sufferings of that dreadful winter of 1777-78, 
It is not given to any language to describe adequately the 
scenes of those dreary days at winter camp. Those brave 
men, with a loyalty unsurpassed, a courage undaunted, fought 
many battles. The enemies they encountered were not armed 
with "cannon, sword or musket." The foes they met were 
"hunger, cold, disease and death." The record shows that 
the men of York through all the years of the war for our 
Independence, were trustworthy, loyal and brave, and this 
was evidenced at the siege of Boston, at Ticonderoga, Sara- 
toga, Valley Forge, Monmouth, and elsewhere. In that 
struggle short enlistments and consequent and oft-made 
changes in the personnel of our forces brought about a con- 
dition which at times seemed to endanger our success, but 
"thrice armed is he who has his cause aright," and Wash- 
ington and his associates knew it and never paused or fal- 
tered, "but laid the best they had upon the altar." 



YORK IN THE WAR OF 1812 

This war was not popular in the New England coast 
towns. York was not an exception in this respect. But a 
volunteer company known as the "Sea Defencibles" was 
organized, and the harbor was guarded by a battery at Fort 
Head near the Marshall House. The services of this com- 
pany were recognized by the United States Government and 
a bounty in the shape of a land grant certificate was awarded 
each member. The writer recalls seeing the certificates of 
three members of the company; they were Ivory Simpson, 
of Scotland, Ebenezer Chapman, Raynes Neck, and Charles 
Moody, of York Village. Moses Brewster, grandfather of 
James S. Brewster, was a privateersman, as was Capt. Jon- 
athan Talpey, who was taken prisoner and confined in Dart- 
moor Prison. He was the father of Mr. Appleton H. Tal- 
pey. Rufus Baker, Jonathan S. Barrell, Joseph Berry, 
Henry Donnell, Francis Goodwin, Benjamin Lucas, Skipper 
Lunt, George Moore and Joseph Thompson, were each in 
the land service, and William Stacy in the navy. 

An incident of the war locally ; written by Frank D. Mar- 
shall is herein reproduced: 

"It happened that in the summer of 18 14, the British fleet 
with H. M. S. Bulwark, seventy-four guns, flagship, was 
blockading Portsmouth and adjacent ports. The primary 
object was to destroy shipping at the Kittery Navy Yard. 
The British had captured a small pink-sterned schooner 
named the 'Juno,' put swivel guns aboard and with an armed 
crew were capturing and burning unsuspecting coastwise 
craft. One Sunday while the 'Juno' was pursuing a fisher- 
man up the coast several of the townspeople saw the chase 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 73 

and with muskets hurried out to the 'Knubble.' Concealing 
themselves, they signalled the pursued to stand in close. In 
she came by the point, and the 'Juno' followed. As the 
latter passed the half dozen men behind the rocks opened 
fire. Where a Donnell fired a red-shirted sailor fell. The 
British ineffectually returned the shots, although a bullet 
spatted upon the flat rock which Donnell had placed before 
himself. The 'Juno' was forced to bear off and the fisher- 
man escaped. The shooting and death of the British sailor 
was confirmed by captives on the 'Juno,' but who were soon 
after released. All this fusilade led to further alarm. A 
man rushed to the doorway of the First Parish Meeting- 
house but stood silent until Rev. Mr. Messenger finished his 
prayer. He then announced, 'I think the British are land- 
ing on the "Nubble." ' The congregation was dismissed, 
the York Artillery, an independent company, mustered and 
with its single field piece started to meet the enemy. When 
the company had reached Long Beach the cause of the alarm 
became known and the march ended. The spirit which 
hastened those untrained militiamen to meet British seamen 
was the same which impelled their fathers toward Lexing- 
ton on that April morning, 1775. They thought, with good 
reason, that the enemy was at hand. Yet they did not know 
in what numbers; nor did they care. Forthwith they went 
out to meet them, prepared to do their best." 



YORK IN THE CIVIL WAR 

"Thy sons in war their lives did give." 
In the war for the preservation of the Union York did 
noble work in men and money. As from time to time the 
need was presented the town officials would call the voters 
together in town meeting, and the "sinews of war" would 
be appropriated without stint. A full record of every meet- 
ing could be given, but room is not available within the 
covers of this abridged history. 

Following are the names of York residents in 1861, who 
responded to the several later calls for volunteers, supple- 
mented by some incidents remembered by the writer. This 
roll has been secured with care, aided by Mr. J. S. Brewster, 
and data from the Adjutant General's Reports. It is hoped 
that every patriot's name who served is included. It would 
be interesting to read and know the experiences of each, but 
in few cases this can be noted. 

Ezekiel Austin John Dennett, Navy 

George W. Berry Rufus Donnell, Navy 

Charles H. Banks Andrew L. Emerson, Navy 

Bradford W. Blaisdell David Fitzgerald 

George Blaisdell John W. Freeman 

Joseph Blaisdell Charles L. Grant 

William Blaisdell John P. Grant 

Charles Bragdon Charles A. Goodwin 

Frank Came Ivory L. Goodwin 

Wilbur Center Joseph Hill 
Charles H. Chapman, Navy Charles H, Hooper 

Josiah Chase William Hooper 

Joseph Cochie Hampden C. Keen 

Thomas Cochie Joseph E. Littlefield 

John Dudley John M. Lowe 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 



75 



Horace Lunt 
Joseph W. Manson 
William H. Manson, Navy 
Daniel H. Mclntire 
Jeremiah L. Mclntire 
Thornton Mclntire 
Albert Motilton 
Daniel Patch 
Solomon Poole 
Charles D. Preble 
Charles H. Ramsdell 
Paul R. Ramsdell 
William H Redding 
Moses Rowe 
Joseph A. Sewall 
Daniel W. Simpson 
George O. Simpson, Navy 
Albert R. Walker 
Charles W. Walker 
John H. Walker 
Wilson M. Walker 



Charles Welch 
John F. Welch 
Luther D. Welch 
Joseph Winn 
William H. Woodward 
Hiram D. Stover, Navy 
George W. Lord, Navy 
John F. Weare 
William Powell, Navy 
C. A. Bowden, Navy 
Henry Bowden, Navy 
John F. Dixon 
Isaiah Boston 
Charles Stewart 
George H. Hutchins 
Henry Dow 
John T. Hill 
Harmon Varrell, Navy 
James S. Brewster 
William H. Brewster 



Of the foregoing Josiah Chase was the sole commissioned 

officer in the land forces from York. He was corporal (non 

com.) in Company E, 27th Maine Regt. Infantry, and later 

commissioned as lieutenant Co. B, First Maine Battalion. 

Charles W. Walker was sergeant, John Wesley Freeman. 

corporal, Company K, First Maine; Andrew L. Emerson 

and Rufus Donnell were ensigns in the Navy ; John Dennett, 

master's mate; James S. Brewster was in both branches of 

the service, in the U. S. S. Agawan, with George Dewey, 

lieut. commander, now Admiral of the Navy, later in the 

Army, a member of the 20th Maine Vol., and was wounded 

at the battle of Five Forks; Paul R. Ramsdell, Albert B. 

Walker, who was a sergeant, and D. Webster Simpson under 

the immediate command of Lieut. Dahlgren in Kilpatrick's 

raid on Richmond were taken prisoners, and died in Libby 



yd HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

prison. Henry Dow was captured later and met his death 
in a prison pen. A careful research shows that Charles 
Donnell Preble and John Moore Lowe were the first from 
York to enlist. They enlisted at Kittery in the service of 
the State of Maine in a company raised by Dr. Mark F. 
Wentworth. They were not mustered into the U. S. Army, 
but as a state independent company were stationed at Fort 
McClary, Kittery, for three months. Under an early call 
Horace Lunt went to the front. The three other sons of 
Richard and Clarissa Walker — Charles W., John H., and 
Wilson M. — each enlisted, the latter serving with Gen. Banks 
at Port Hudson. Bradford W. Blaisdell was severely Avound- 
ed at Cold Harbor. 

John F. Weare, a native of York, was captain of Company 
C, 40th Regiment Mass. Volunteers, and was shot through 
the body at the battle of the "Wilderness." He afterward 
lived in Chicago, and died there a few years ago. His body 
is interred in the cemetery at Cape Neddick. 

George E. Blaisdell, son of Joseph and Elvira Blaisdell, 
was in Co. E, 23d Mass. Regt. He died in Boston, January 
5, 1865. He was on his way home from the front, a victim 
of southern fever. He was buried in York, Jan. 9, 1865, 
with military honors. A platoon of infantry from Fort 
McClary was in attendance and gave a volley as the casket 
was lowered in the ground. His brother, Bradford W., 
was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, as has been 
stated. 

Mr. S. Judson Adams of Cape Neddick while not in the 
service was taken prisoner by Southerners. 

Master's Mate John Dennett, who after the close of the 
war entered the service of the U. S. Revenue Marine, be- 
came a Captain in that branch of government service. He 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

was on the "Seminole," commanded by Commander Ronaldo, 
U. S. N., at the celebrated capture of the British blockade 
runner, a steamer, the Sir William Peel. Capt. Ronaldo's 
seizure was protested by the British minister at Washington. 
There is a long story in connection with this capture, it 
being a rich prize, she having on board one thousand bales 
of compressed cotton, which had been exchanged by the 
Confederates for munitions of war. Ensign Stephenson, 
Master's Mate John Dennett, and Sergeant McKie of the 
Marine Guard were placed in charge. 

Ensign Andrew L. Emerson served under Farragut at the 
battle of Mobile Bay, and other engagements. 

Ensign Rufus Donnell during his term of service was 
stationed off the harbor of Charleston, S. C, as the execu- 
tive officer of the armed brig "Perry" in the blockading 
squadron. 

York Association of Veterans and Sons 
In order to cherish the memory of those who served in 
the Civil War, and to foster the spirit of loyalty to the 
country and the flag, a few of the survivors of the war 
conceived the idea of forming an organization for the pur- 
pose stated, realizing that their numerical strength was not 
sufficient for the establishment of a regular Grand Army 
Post. After considerable discussion the plan of an Asso- 
ciation was evolved, and October 30, 1897, "The York Asso- 
ciation of Veterans and Sons of Veterans" came into being, 
with Charles W. Walker as President, Daniel A. Stevens, 
Secretary, and J. Alba Sewall, Treasurer. The following 
is the roster of the members at that time, including the offi- 
cers named : 

John M. Drury, Charles L. Grant, John P. Grant, Edward 
J. Sylvester, David Fitzgerald, John L. Hatch, James S. 



yS HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Brewster, John H. Varrell, Harmon Varrell, Charles H. 
Ramsdell, Charles Hildreth, Charles Stewart, Edward Shea, 
Hampden C. Keene, Jasper J. Hazen, Josiah Chase, Daniel 
.H. Mclntire, Albert Moulton, John W. Freeman, M. J. 
Adams, Charles Banks, A. L. Emerson, John M. Lowe, 
John Dennett, Horace Lunt, Wilson M. Walker, John Jun- 
kins, George Caswell, Jere L. Mclntire, O. B. Schofield, 
Charles H. Wilson. 

Sons 

E. D. Twombly, H. D. Philbrick, George F. Preble, 
Charles E. Noble, Eugene Lee, George Banks, Ross Banks, 
W. G. Banks, Will T. Keene, John D. Keene, Albert G. 
McCullum, John Q. Adams, John E. Woodward, Frank 
Keene, E. A. Sewall. 

Since its formation the Association has received yearly 
by vote of the town the maximum sum allov/ed by statute 
to aid in defraying the expenses of the exercises of Memo- 
rial Day. 



THE OLDE GAOL 

Previous to the placing of the whole Province of Maine 
under the laws of Massachusetts Bay, a law had been passed 
in 1646 providing that "each county shall have a house of 
correction, and that the prisons may be used for houses of 
correction" ; and also enacted that all persons committed 
"shall first be whipped not exceeding ten stripes." In 
accordance with this act in the year 1653 the Province raised 
money to build the gaol, or prison, and it was built at once. 
Henry Norton was the first sheriff of the Province under the 
laws of Massachusetts, and assumed, it is supposed, the con- 
trol of the new prison. In 1695, the county of York having 
been depleted in men and money by the Indian devastation 
of three years previous, issued a motion to the General Court 
setting forth their inability to raise money for their defray- 
ing county charges by reason of their poverty, and praying 
that ye fines in the hand of their sheriff may be granted them 
for repairing their gaol. The result of the motion was this 
order: "This Court do order that Mr. Treasurer do pay to 
the Treasurer of York ten pounds out of fines in the sheriff's 
hands towards repairing of the County Prison." Later the 
care and maintenance of the gaol was with the "Court of 
General Sessions," and the sheriff and the jailor were sub- 
ordinate and answerable to that body. The sheriff was 
allowed not exceeding ten pounds per year, and the turnkey 
or gaoler was allowed two shillings and six-pence for turn- 
ing the key, and for "diet" three shillings, and nine-pence 
for each prisoner per week. Until 1760 the gaol served as 
the prison for the wnole province of Maine. From that date 
to 1802 it was the County Gaol of the County of York, and 



So HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Up to August 1 6, i860, it was in use. So for more than 
two hundred years the old prison served as a place of con- 
finement for evil doers under sentence. The southwesterly 
room could be used as a court room for an inferior court 
with Bench and Bar at the westerly end. The higher courts 
were generally held in the meeting house, the present First 
Parish Meeting House and its predecessor. No doubt there 
have been respectable men whose only offence was lack of 
funds to pay a small debt, occupying the cells, as well as 
murderers, and hardened criminals of various sorts and con- 
ditions. 

On the small knoll in front of the north end near where 
the six-inch Parrot gun is now in position were the stocks 
and whipping post. The place where the post stood was 
plainly visible a few years since, Prisoners who could give 
bonds were given the "liberty of the yard," the yard not 
being an enclosure, but a tract of certain defined limits ex- 
tending each way from the building, and for the spiritual 
well-being of the prisoners one of the limits was to the door 
of the First Parish Meeting House, "to the end persons 
having the liberty of the yard may attend public worship." 
That there were numerous attempts and successful "breaks" 
of jail is the story of record and tradition. That of Stephen 
Peirce in March, 1750, was notable, carrying with it liti- 
gation that reached the General Court of Massachusetts, 
brought by the appeal of the sheriff, Joseph Plaisted's ad- 
ministrator, who by the lower court had been ordered to 
pay Samuel Walton of Somersworth, fifteen pounds, four 
shillings and two-pence. It appears that in the year 1750 
one Stephen Peirce of York, a cordwainer, was attacked 
and imprisoned in York at the suit of Samuel Walton of 
Summersworth, N. H., in the sum of one hundred pounds. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 8l 

equal to 13-6-8. Peirce broke prison and escaped. Follow- 
ing is given the record of facts in the matter, taken from 
Baxter's "Documentary History of Maine" : 

"The Petition of Joseph Plaisted of York Administrator 
of the estate of Joseph Plaisted Esq. late of York in said 
county of York Dec. Humbly sheweth that the said Joseph 
Plaisted was sheriff of said county of York several years 
and while he was such, viz., in the year 1750, one Stephen 
Peirce of York aforesaid cordwainer was attacked and im- 
prisoned in York aforesaid at the suit of Samuel Walton of 
Summers worth in New Hampshire went to recover one hun- 
dred pounds old tenor equal to 13-6-8 lawful money, and 
broke prison and escaped, since which the said Samuel Wal- 
ton brought his action against the said sheriff and recovered 
his damages and costs, which ought to be paid by the County 
on account of the insuffiency of the Gaol. Therefore, your 
Petitioner prays ye advisement of this court concerning the 
premises and that ye costs and damages aforesaid may be 
paid out of the County Treasury and your Petitioner shall 
pray, etc. Joseph Plaisted. 

Copy Examined. 

P Jno. ffrost, Cler." 
York S. S. 

At a Court of General Sessions of the Peace held at York 
within and for the County of York the first Tuesday of 
April, 1753, read and the question being put, whether the 
prayer of the petition be granted, it passed in the negative, 
and ordered that this petition be dismissed. 

Attest — 

Jno. ffrost, Cler. 
Copy Examd p Jno. ffrost, Cler. 

Petition of Joseph Plaisted to Governor Council & House 



82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

of Reps. To His Excellency, William Shirley, Esq. "Cap- 
tain General and Governor in chief in and over his majesties 
province of the Massachusetts Bay and to the Hon.^*® his 
maj^^ council and House of Representatives for said province 
in Gen" Court assembled October i6, 1754. 

The Petition of Joseph Plaisted of York in the County 
of York, yeoman Administrator of the estate of Joseph 
Plaisted, late of York, Esq.'' Dec. 
Humbly Sheweth, 

That in Jan'y, 1750, the said said Joseph Plaisted Esq*" 
being sheriff of said County of York, one Stephen Peirce of 
York aforesaid cordwainer was arrested and committed to 
ye Gaol of said County in York by virtue of a writ of attach- 
ment at the suit of Sam' Walton of Summersworth in New 
Hampshire Gen' for one hundred pounds old tenor due by 
a note of hand, which writ was returnable at the Infe'" Court 
of common pleas held at York afores**, on the first Tuesday 
of April 1 75 1, at which court in April 1751 the said Sam" 
Walton upon said writ recovered judgment against ye said 
Stephen Peirce by ye sum of 13-6-8 Lawful money, damages 
and one pound 161 2 for cost and had execut" upon said 
judgm* which was returned in no part satisfied. But before 
the sitting of ye court into which the said writ of attach- 
ment was returnable the said Stephen Peirce with the assist- 
ance of some evil minded persons broke through the stone 
wall of the prison, took out the iron grate of the window 
in the night time about the 20th of March, 1750, and he 
the said Stephen (together with another prisoner committed 
there for felony) escaped from the said Gaol against the 
will of the said Joseph Plaisted, the sheriff, and could not 
be recovered, notwithstanding the said sheriff used his ut- 
most endeavors to retake him. After the return of the exe- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 83 

ciition * * * saj(] Walton appealed to ye Super'" Court 
of Jnicature held at York for said County in June, 1752, 
and upon that appeal the said Sam" Walton recovered Judg- 
ment against ye said Joseph Plaisted, Esq*" for ye sum of 
15-4-2 damages and costs 5, 8, 3, at which Judgment the 
said Joseph Plaisted Esq'' thinking himself greatly wronged 
and injured for that the escape of the said Stephen was not 
a voluntary escape as to ye sheriff nor a negligent escape but 
by and with the assistance of others to ye sheriff unknown 
who with force and strong hand in riotous manner in the 
night broke through the prison wall by means whereof ye 
said Stephen escaped and not by or with ye will or negli- 
gence of ye sheriff and for which the said sheriff humbly 
conceived he was not answerable or liable by law to make 
good the damages any more than he was obliged to build a 
Gaol at his own cost and thereupon with ye care of the 
Hon*^'® Sup*" Court pursuant to law gave bond to review the 
said action at the then next Supe"" Court of Judicature to be 
held in York for said County. (The associates on the bond 
were Henry Simpson, and Johnathan Bean, each in the sum 
of forty pounds. Editor.) Soon after which he was taken 
sick and languished until about ye 25th August, 1752, when 
the said Joseph Plaisted, Esq'" dyed not having served a 
writ of review of that case for want of opportunity, and 
afterwards, namely, about ye beginning of January 1754 
the said Sam^ Walton dyed, the said judgment not being 
satisfied nor the action reviewed. Since which ye Admin""^ 
of the said Sam'' Walton have claimed of your Petitioner 
Adm'* of Jos. Plaisted Esq'" dee*^ ye sums recovered by said 
Judgm^ which your Petitioner thinks he ought not to be 
obliged to pay — Your Petitioner prays leave further to 
observe that since the death of the said Joseph Plaisted^ 



84 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Esq*" your Petitioner for presenting of any farther cost or 
trouble about ye case apply*^ to ye court of General Sessions 
of the Peace for said County held at York on ye first Tues- 
day of April, 1753, shewing forth the premises that the said 
escape was through the insufficency of the Gaol praying that 
the said court would order satisfaction to be made out of 
the County Treasury — but they refused to do it — so your 
Petitioner is without remedy unless aided by this Hon^'® 
Court about and concerning the premises. Wherefore your 
Petitioner humbly prays that he may be enabled by the au- 
thority of the Hon**'® Court to have his remedy either against 
the County Treasury for all his damages and costs. Or that 
he may be enabled to review the aforesaid action * * * 
Or that he may have such other relief in the premises as to 
this Hon^'® Court in their great wisdom and justice shall 
seem meet, and your Petif as in duty bound shall ever pray. 

Joseph Plaisted, 

Administrator. 
In the House of Representatives Nov. 14. 1754. 

Read and ordered that the pef serve the adverse party, 
viz., the administrator of Samuel Walton Dec. with a copy 
of the Petition that he shew cause (if he have any) on the 
first friday of the next sitting of the Court why the prayer 
thereof should not be granted. 

Sent up for Concurrence — T. Hubbard, Spk. 

In Council Nov. 15, 1754. Read and Concerned. 

Thos. Clarke, Dp*^^ Secry. 
Answer to the Petition of Joseph Plaisted, Adm*"" 

To His Excellency, William Shirley, Esq'", Captain, Gen- 
eral and Governor in chief in and over his majesty's province 
of the Massachusetts Bay. The Hon**'^ His majesty's coun- 
cil and House of Representatives for said Province in Gen- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 85 

eral Court assembled Feb. 4, 1755. The answer of George 
Walton, Esq'", Moses Carr and Elizabeth Walton, executors 
of the testament of Samuel Walton, late of Somersworth in 
the Province of New Hampshire, Deceas®^ To the Petition 
of Joseph Plaisted of York in the County of York, yeoman, 
* * * in the matter of an escape of one Stephen Peirce, 
etc. The Respondts humbly conceive it is not resonable to 
grant this petition so far as concerns them — ist. Because 
there was a fair Tryal upon Appeal when full evidence was 
committed to the jury * * * which in case of a New 
Tryal can't possibly be done, for the Respond*^ are wholly 
strangers to the circum.stances of the escape, as well as to 
the name of the witnesses by which proper proof was made, 
the Testimonies being given Viva Voce in Court and no foot- 
steps remaining how or where to come at them. The prin- 
cipal of which were persons then living at the prison, are 
long since removed by death or other ways * * * For 
it can't be conceived had the case really been as the Peti- 
tioner represents it, that, that court considering the provision 
made by the Province Law in such cases would have rejected 
his motion. But the Case in truth (as the Respond*^^ have 
it from others) was thus, the Prisoner was a Shoe-maker, 
the Sheriff permitted him to work at his Trade in the Prison, 
had his Tools and Billets of Wood for his fire, by which he 
cut away the wood and wrenched out the Grates in the 
window of the Room in which he was confined at which 
Window he made his Escape — Suggestion therefore of 
Riotous Assistants with force of strong hand breaking 
through the Prison Wall, and that he got out of the Prison 
by that means is without foundation, which many of the 
said Justices knew, by what they heard in the time the fact 
was done, and afterwards on the Trial, which was doubtless 



86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

the Reason of the Sessions denying relief * * * The 
Delay of this Motion so long, is some objection against it, 
the said Sam' Walton had had no apprehentions of it in his 
time, considered the said Judgment as part of his Personal 
Estate and doubtless had some Regard to it in the Dispo- 
sition of his Estate, * * * as to that part of the Peti- 
tion Desiring a Remedy against the County Treasurer the 
Respond*^® have nothing to say. But upon the whole as to 
the Review prayed for, submit it, that the Petition is un- 
reasonable. 

Geo. Walton 
Moses Carr 
Elizabeth Walton 

Executors. 

Deposition of Abiel Goodwin 

The Deposition of Abiel Goodwin of York in the County 
of York testifieth and saith that the next day after it was 
reported that Samuel Ball and Stephen Pearce had broake 
out of York Gaol which the Depon* thinks was some time 
in March 1750 he was sent for by the then Keeper Mr. 
Sheriff Plaisted since dec^** to mend the Breach upon which 
he the Depon* immediately came and did it, — And upon 
examining the Breach found it was at one of the Windows 
where the Wall as he judges was about two feet and an half 
thro'. The Window was Double Grated with Iron Grates 
placed into Iron Bars one set of Grates and Bars being 
placed in the inner edge of the Window and secured in the 
Oak Plank with which the Walls are cealed. The other set 
of Grates and Bars was about midway of the Wall and 
secured in the same. The manner of the Breach as the 
Depon* judges was thus, the prisoners first got out the inner 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 87 

set of Grates and Bars whether by the help of a stick of 
Wood which he saw there in the Gaol or other ways he can't 
tell but to the best of his remembrance one of the Grates 
was broake with the help of which as the Depon^ judges they 
Pick^ out the Stones and Lime between the Oak Cealing 
aforesaid and the next pair of Grates, (the Stones being in 
the middle of the Wall something small), and made such 
way as to slip the Bars into which the Grates were plac'd 
on end and so made way to creap out. 

Abiel Goodwin. 

York, Feb. 3, 1755. 
York S. S. Feb. 3, 1755. 

Then Mr. Abiel Goodwin personally appearing solemnly 
made oath to the truth of the within written Deposition by 
him subscribed. 

Before Dan^ Moulton 

Jus. Peace. 

In continuance of action by the General Court on Plais- 
ted's Petition the Council took the matter in hand : 

In Council Feb'y 12, 1755. Read again together with 
the Answer of the Executors of Sam' Walton Dec'', and 
ordered that John Greenleaf and Benj. Lincoln Esq'"^ with 
such as the Hon^^® House shall join be a Com*^® to consider 
this Pet° hear the Parties and report what they judge proper 
for this court to do thereon. Sent down for concurrence, 
by Ord'" of the Board 

J. Osborne. 

In House of Represent — Feb'y 12, 1755. 

Read and Concurred and Col. Hale, M"" Bradbury & M'" 
Niles are joined in the Affair. 

T. Hubbard, Spk*" 



05 history of the town of york 

Report of the Committee 

The Committee — to whom was Refer'd the petition with- 
in mentioned having fully considered the same with the 
papers accompanying it are of Opinion that the prayer of 
the petition be so far granted that the petitioner in his capac- 
ity afores*^ be impowered to bring forward a writt of Review 
at the next Superior Court to be holden for the County of 
York in an action wherein the S*^ Joseph Plaisted dec*^ was 
the Original Defen^* against the Exec^^ of the Testament of 
Sam' Walton dec*^ and all further proceedings on the former 
judgment in the meantime be stayed. 

P Order John Greenleaf. 

In Council Feb'ry 21, 1755. Read and Ordered that the 
alx)ve Report be accepted and that the Pef in his capacity 
aforesaid be and hereby is impowered to bring forward a 
writ of Review at the next Superior Court of Judicature to 
be holden at York. * * * And all other proceedings 
on the former judgment are staid in the meantniie * * * 

Sent down for Concurrence — 

Thomas Clarke, Dep*^^ Secry. 

In the House of Rep. Feb. 21, 1755. Read & Concurred. 
Consented to W. Shirley. 

What the final outcome of the matter was I have not been 
able to ascertain. In the historical foreword of the cata- 
logue of the Olde Gaol Museum written by Frank D. Mar- 
shall several escapes are mentioned, one of which I will 
bring into this account : 

"Spiked to the underside of the flooring, which may be 
seen between the dungeon and the north wall, is a heavy 
hardwood plank. This recalls the story of the escape of 
two criminals on a December night in 1823, for beneath 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 89 

the plank can undoubtedly be found the hole cut with a 
shoe-knife through hard beech flooring, and through which 
the escape was made. The gaoler and his assistant on that 
night heard the shout of a man in the cell and rushing in 
found one of the prisoners wedged in the hole to his arm- 
pits. In his eagerness to escape, another prisoner had 
jumped upon the shoulders of his companion and so hurt 
him that he cried out. The gaoler rushed to the outside of 
the building to prevent the escape of two prisoners who had 
already gone through the hole. He saw them running over 
the hill toward the burying ground and pursued. One dis- 
appeared and the other shortly outran the gaoler and escaped. 
Some weeks later the gaoler received a letter from one of 
these men, telling him that the moment he jumped over the 
wall of the burying ground he crouched under it and that the 
gaoler unknowingly jumped over him in pursuit of the other 
man. He thanked the gaoler for kindness shown and ex- 
pressed gladness that he was not discovered, for he said he 
would never have been recaptured alive and was prepared to 
disable the gaoler. He also donated a small sum of money 
which was due him towards purchasing a new bell for the 
First Parish Church, to replace the cracked one which he 
described as 'that cussed sounding thing.' Years later the 
name of this man might be seen upon the door-plate of a 
substantial Boston residence." 

It was from this gaol that Seymour went forth to his 
hanging at Stage Neck, the story of which is told in this 
book. 

It is without doubt the oldest public building of the days 
of the Colonies in this country, and under the watchful care 
of the York Improvement Society stands up against the 
ravages of time for many years. 



THE FIRST PARISH MEETING HOUSE 

The First Meeting House of the Parish was erected 
sometime prior to 1699 nearly on the site of the house of 
Mr. G. Frank Austin. It was standing at that date. As 
all records of the Parish were destroyed in 1692 the time of 
its building cannot be given. 

In May, 1710, the town voted to build a new meeting 
house, on the northeasterly side of the country road by the 
burying place, on land given for the use of the ministry, and 
have it finished by the last day of November, 171 2. That 
the house was built is shown by the town record, which 
reads: "York, July 15, 1713, Laid out to Nicholas Sewall, 
half an acre of land for a tan yard, granted to him the 23d 
day of March last by said town of York, with the privilege 
of the spring of water, between the ticw and the old meeting 
house, where the said Sewall's tan yards now are, and is 
bounded as followeth, viz : Beginning at a stake standing 
at the north ward corner of Mr. Moody's little field, on that 
side of the way, and runs from thence six poles to a white 
oak stake marked on four sides, (by Moody's land) ; thence 
northeast thirteen poles to a stake standing by the zvay that 
leads to the old meeting house from the country road, and is 
bounded by said road to the stake first above mentioned." 
In the two meeting houses all town business was transacted, 
and the courts held at least up to 1732. The first direct 
action taken to build the present structure was in 1744 as 
appears from the Parish records: "At a Parish meeting 
regularly assembled the 19th day of April, 1744, Voted that 
there be a Meeting House built in this parish by subscrip- 
tions, of seventy feet long, and fifty feet wide, and twenty- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 9I 

five feet studd, and be set in the same place where the old 
Meeting House now stands." But through the delinquency 
of the subscribers the house was not founded until 1747 and 
during that summer completed. In 1838-39 the house was 
remodeled and great changes were made in the exterior and 
interior of the building, the most striking within, where the 
gallerys, the elders' seats, the high pulpit and sounding board 
were removed. The entrance, which had been on the side, 
was changed to the end next the Court House. The v/ork 
was in charge of a committee consisting of Charles Moody, 
Joseph P. Junkins, Eben Chapman, Paul Langdon, Charles 
O. Emerson. The house was reopened and dedicated July 
3, 1839. Rev. John Haven preached the sermon from the 
text found in Genesis 28-17. In opening he said: "We 
assemble this day for the first time in this temple, remodeled 
for the worship of Almighty God. The object which has 
convened this audience, is one which accords with every 
pious sentiment of the soul * * * Accordingly, we 
meet at this time, to consecrate the interior of the building 
to the worship and service of the majesty of heaven. We 
shall have no august and imposing ceremony to awaken the 
imagination of the thoughtless, and dazzle the eye, but the 
solemnities will be characterized with the simplicity which 
marks the ordinances of the gospel dispensation * * * 
The reopening of a house of worship is an event which 
crowds the mind with recollections of the past, and points on- 
ward to that scene, when the grand results of all God's plans 
for this world, Christ's sufferings, and the Spirit's agency, 
shall be announced. When we remember the throngs which 
assembled in this venerable structure in its primitive glory; 
the success which attended the gospel especially in its early 
history; the generations which have come and gone since 



92 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

the corner-stone was laid ; the worthy men who have con- 
tended for the faith once dehvered to the saints; and when 
we take into consideration the circumstances which have 
called ns together, and the future purpose to which this house 
is to be devoted, we may exclaim with the ancient servant 
of God, 'How dreadful is this place. This is none other 
than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.' " 
* * * **Who is left among you that saw this house her 
first glory?" They are gone, minister and people, in less 
than one hundred years they have been gathered to the 
graves of their fathers. 

"Our fathers where are they, 
With all they call their own? 
There where the fathers lie 
Must all the children come." 

But our spirits will live when this world shall be known 
only in the past. 

The most elaborate and extensive remodeling was made 
in 1881-2. At a Parish Meeting held April nth, 1881, it 
was voted to repair and remodel the meeting house, and on 
motion of Dr. Wilson L. Hawkes a committee consisting of 
Washington Junkins, John B. Fernald, Samuel P. Young, 
John E. Staples and Edward C. Moody were chosen to carry 
out the vote of the Parish. The committee organized with 
the choice of John B. Fernald, Washington Junkins, Chair- 
man and Treasurer, and Edward C. Moody, Secretary. At 
a subsequent meeting of the Parish the membership of the 
committee was increased to seven by the addition of Edward 
S. Marshall and Wilson M. Walker. The exterior and in- 
terior of the building were entirely changed. Previous to 
1 88 1 the building stood lengthwise parellel with the road, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 93 

the tower and steeple being on the western end, the entrance 
at the eastern end. The building was changed from its 
original site to the extent of bringing the tower facing the 
highway, and the entrance end toward the cemetery. This 
work was performed by contract, Edward S. Marshall, 
Edward B. Blaisdell, and Edward C. Moody were awarded 
the contract, and gave bonds in the sum of one thousand 
dollars to perform the work in safety to the building, par- 
ticularly as regarded the steeple. This work being duly 
accomplished, and the steeple apparently not swerved any 
perceptible distance therefrom, the committee decided to take 
the steeple down, which was done and in accordance with 
the plans drawn by Architect Silloway of Boston the present 
tower and spire were built, the distance from the base to the 
apex being twenty feet higher than originally. The main 
entrance was made in the base of the tower, and one on the 
northern end for the pastor's use. The interior was en- 
tirely changed. The gallery formerly used by the choir was 
removed, the pulpit was transferred to the northern end of 
the auditorium, with the organ and choir seats at the left 
of the platform. The re-dedication took place in 1882. 
Ex-President of Bowdoin Joshua L. Chamberlain delivered 
the address. The committee on remodeling presented the 
following to the First Church of Christ in York, through 
the Deacons, Charles Colburn Barrell and Frank Phillips 
Emerson : 

York, Maine, Sept. 27, 1882. 
Gentlemen : 

We who have attached our names to this communication 
were chosen by the First Congregational Parish in York, a 
building and repairing committee, to have in charge, direct 
the measures adopted, the means afforded, for repairing the 



94 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

meeting house of our parish. In the absence of any action 
by the parish as a body corporate and party in interest for- 
mahy presenting the remodeled meeting house to the church 
of which you are worthy members, as we trust, and that you 
represent in the subject matter, on which we address you; — 
we take great pleasure in placing in your care and keeping 
for solemn dedication this house of the Lord. "The tribe 
of Levi shall have charge thereof, but hither let all the tribes 
come up and worship." It is not needed, and yet perhaps 
it will be well to say that in the outlay which has been made 
we have exceeded the fartherest bounds anticipated by the 
most progressive member of our ancient parish, but we can 
truly say that the added beauty of our church edifice is com- 
mensurate with the burden it brought, and will so be re- 
garded as the days go by. True it is that loving and kindly 
hands have aided us in making the "Old York Meeting 
House" a pleasant home on Sabbath days for ourselves, our 
children, and we hope, our children's children, and the 
strangers within our gates. The ladies of the First Church 
and Parish have one and all done right well ; a distinction, 
should we make it, would be invidious. The misses emu- 
lated the example of their elders, and soon, how soon, they 
will be the ladies of the First Parish. We can but think, 
as we have this brief word with you, of one of our number, 
who passed from among us to those beyond. Col. Wash- 
ington Junkins, the chairman of the building and repairing 
committee, died before the work he was so much interested 
in, to which his persuasion and enterprise gave impetus, was 
finished, and as we think of him our thoughts are kind. It 
would be idle to say, more idle to believe, that all this good 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 



95 



work has gone on to completion without difference of honest 
opinion, now let us all truly say "Peace be within thy walls." 

(Signed) John B. Fernald, 
John E. Staples, 
Edward S. Marshall, 
Wilson M. Walker, 
Edward C. Moody, 

Committee. 
To Charles C. Barrell, 
Frank P. Emerson, 

Deacons First Cong'l Church, 
York, Maine. 



THE COURT HOUSE, NOW TOWN HALL 

From the earliest record obtainable we learn that up to 
1 713 the town had no fixed place to transact its business. 
If in 1653 the old meeting house was standing, and when 
the first court was holden, it was probably held there. 

In March, 171 5, at a meeting it was "Voted that our 
general town meeting shall be holden upon the second Tues- 
day in March, hereafter, at our meeting house, beginning at 
9 o'clock in the forenoon." 

Also on the 19th of June, 1732, a town meeting was 
holden in the meeting house in the First Parish, and up to 
1732, there all town business appears to have been done. 
A town meeting was held in May, 1726, where action was 
taken toward the erection of a building to accommodate the 
courts of justice and for the use of the town. 

It was "Voted, that if the justice of the quarter sessions 
(now County Commissioners) order the building of a Court 
House in the town, this town shall bear one-half the charge 
of building said house, provided said town may have the use 
of said house for holding town meetings, and keeping the 
grammar school." 

On the 5th of December, 1733, $100 was raised towards 
building a Court House, and on the 20th day of the same 
month a committee was chosen to join the "Courts com- 
mittee," to "appoint a place to set said house upon." In 
January, 1734, it was "Voted, that this town will join with 
the County in building a Court House, in this town, which 
house shall be for the use of the County to hold courts in 
and for the use of this town to meet in, on all public times." 
This action had become necessary from the fact that in 1731 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 97 

the First Parish was organized, and the town had no con- 
trol over, or right to use parish property, but at times the 
two parties reciprocated, as the record says — A parish meet- 
ing was holden in the tozini house on Dec. 26th, 1735, and 
on May 23, 1745, the town meeting was adjourned to the 
meeting house. 

This Court House was located on a plat of land between 
the four old elm trees recently standing in front of the pres- 
ent Town Hall and the house of Jeremiah Mclntire, for as 
Judge David Sewall wrote on the inside of the cover of a 
volume of our Probate Records — "Four elm trees set out 
between Town House and Meeting House April 15, 1773." 
This building was used for seventy-seven years as a town 
house. 

York had been the sliire town of the Province of Maine 
from 1716 to 1735; then Portland was made a shire town 
with it for the whole province up to 1760; then shire town 
for the County of York from 1760 to 1802, when Alfred 
was made a shire town with York. It was at about this 
time many complaints were made of the unsuitable condition 
of the old town house for holding courts, and the want of 
accommodations for the various parties who usually attend 
court, and the result was that the terms of the Supreme 
Court in 1800 and 1801 were held in Wells, in that part now 
Kennebunk. Strong efforts were made in the General Court 
to have the towns of Alfred and Kennebunk constituted shire 
towns for the County. Our people and those of Kittery and 
Berwick were much wrought up over the matter, and meas- 
ures were brought about whereby the County gave $500, 
York $600, and individuals in York and Kittery gave lib- 
erally to the fund for building the Court House, which was 
done in 1810 and 181 1, and courts were held here until 1832, 



98 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

when they were on account of our geographical position all 
removed to Alfred, except at times Probate Court would be 
held in York in July and August, up to 1863. Mr. Marshall 
in his address delivered Feb. 22, 1874, at the dedication of 
the practically new town hall, says: "From 1832 to 1873, 
upwards of forty years, this building had been used for 
almost every conceivable purpose — town house, hearse house, 
school house, etc., without a friend to care for it, a target 
for play balls and harder missiles of unruly boys and 'chil- 
dren of a larger growth,' 'with none so poor as to do it 
reverence,' until it had become a byword and a standing 
disgrace to the town." The interest of the County in it 
had been purchased by the town, and at its annual meeting 
and a subsequent meeting in 1873, money was raised to 
rebuild and remodel it. Hon Nathaniel G. Marshall was 
chosen an agent to take charge of the work. At the begin- 
ning and during the process of reconstruction several town 
meetings were called. In the warrant of one was an article 
to see if the town would vote to move the building to a lot 
at Cider Hill. During the meeting a motion was made and 
seconded to carry that matter into effect. A motion to "lay 
that motion on the table" was made, but the maker of the 
first motion objected, saying, "Mr. Moderator, that can't be 
done, there ain't no table here, and beside all that the motion 
ain't writ out." However, the meeting disposed of the 
question by passing a vote to "indefinitely postpone." 

In 1893 the building was enlarged by an addition of six- 
teen feet on the northern side, in the upper hall great im- 
provement was made under the auspices of the "York Asso- 
ciation," aided by the town, and Feb. 22, 1894, the Associ- 
ation gave a supper, and appropriate exercises were held in 
the enlarged and beautified upper hall. Edward C. Moody 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 99 

by invitation delivered an address and in speaking of the 
room as it was in court days said : "Some of you in your 
thought can see this room as it was in 1873, the entrance 
being by a wide flight of stairs from the lower hall at my 
left. Just in front of the landing, ascending a few steps, 
was the jury room, a corridor from the landing to the hall 
of justice, and on either side were raised seats for spectators. 
In the center were seats for the members of the bar, flanked 
on each side by the sheriff boxes, and jury benches. In the 
southern end was the place of dignity and awe, the desk of 
the judges, just in front of which was that of the clerk, and 
at his other hand the prisoners' dock and the witness stand. 
Running from a point just back of the sheriff's box to the 
judge bench was a row of seats on each side. * * * 
This hall has been the theatre of many exciting scenes. 
Audiences have here listened spellbound to orators of re- 
nown. Here were formulated military plans for 'training 
days.' Here Major General Mclntire, the pride of the 
Maine Militia, of superb military bearing, issued his orders, 
and just outside Capt. Thompson of Artillery fame in a fit 
of righteous indignation broke his sword on the limbers of 
a gun carriage. * * * Now, to you young men and 
women, who will meet here, as we trust, twenty years from 
tonight, and you boys and girls who will then be the young 
men and women, I beseech you guard well this hall which 
from time to time will be improved and beautified. Let no 
disloyal sentiments here be publicly uttered, no disloyal act 
perpetrated, and if in the future as in the past, duty calls, 
gather as loyal sons and daughters for the protection of your 
country and your flag; and never let it be said that a son of 
York dishonored the Stars and Stripes, and as Hannibal 
swore on the knees of his father eternal hostility to the 



lOO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Romans, so here swear you by the memories of those who 
have gone before to ever be faithful to your good old town, 
and all its interests, and then doing your duty, 'every winter 
of discontent shall be made glorious summer' by the sons 
and daughters of York." 



YORK IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 

A Convention of Delegates were assembled at Portland 
on the nth day of October, 1819, and continued in session 
until the 29th day of same month for the purpose of form- 
ing a constitution for the new State of Maine. Three dele- 
gates were in attendance from York : Elihu Bragdon, Jere- 
miah Bradbury and David Wilcox. 

Elihu Bragdon was the son of Daniel and Mary (Came) 
Bragdon of York; born May 3d, 1767. He was Repre- 
sentative to the General Court from 1808 to 1819, State 
Representative in 1820- 1-5-6, Justice of the Peace 1821 to 
1832, Coroner for York County, 1825, Selectman for nearly 
thirty years. He married Abigail, daughter of Cotton Brad- 
bury; had a son, James, born Oct. 9, 1789. a Selectman, 
Sherifif, Jailor, and a Representative in the Legislature at 
the time of his death Nov. 6th. 183 1. 

Jeremiah Bradbury was born in Saco, Oct. 22, 1779, the 
son of Thomas and Dorothy (Clark) Bradbury. He studied 
law and was admitted to the York County Bar in 1805, and 
opened an office in Saco; removed to Biddeford in 1810, to 
South Berwick in 1812, and to York in 18 15. He was 
Collector of Customs at York from 1813 to 1820; appointed 
by Gov. King Clerk of the Judicial Courts in 1820, removed 
to Alfred in 1821 ; was Clerk of the Courts in York County 
from 1820 to 1841 with the exception of one year; removed 
to Calais in 1841, where he continued in the practice of law 
until his death in 1848 in November. He married Oct. 28th, 
18 10, Mary Langdon, daughter of Seth and Olive (Jordan) 
Storer of Wells. Eight children were born to them, the old- 
est being Bion Bradbury, born at Biddeford Dec. 6th. 181 1, 



102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

who afterward was Collector of the Port at Eastport, Dem- 
ocratic candidate for Governor of Maine in 1863, and after- 
ward Surveyor of the Port at Portland. David Wilcox was 
Deputy Sheriff for York County from 1821 to 1825, Weigher 
in the Custom House, York District, from 1823 to 1827, 
Inspector of Customs from 1829 to 1830, Justice of the 
Peace from 1823 to 1832, Postmaster from 1823 to 1828, 
and Coroner from 1830 to 1832. 

The Constitution was signed Oct. 29, 1819. Mr. Brad- 
bury of York declined to sign. And it was provided that : 
*'This Constitution shall be enrolled on parchment, deposited 
in the Secretary's Office, and be the supreme law of the 
state, and printed copies thereof shall be prefixed to the 
books containing the laws of this state." 

It may not be out of place in this connection to relate that 
previous to the convention of 1819, several meetings of citi- 
zen delegates had assembled to take into consideration the 
question of separation from Massachusetts. These were in 
1 788-1 793 and '94 in Portland, but they proved abortive. 
In 1816 a Convention was called at Brunswick. York was 
represented in this Convention by Messrs. Bragdon, Brad- 
bury and Mclcntire. It appears to have been a lively gath- 
ering of Democrats and Federalists, the Democrats generally 
in favor of separation, the Federalists opposed. The com- 
mittee on credentials, an important one (then as now), did 
not agree. "Judge Widey suggested that some certificates 
might not be signed by the town clerk, what then?" Capt. 
Tolman replied, "Those would be like the old woman's tub 
without any bottom, who said 'It was no tub at all.' " On 
October 9th without large accomplishment the Convention 
adjourned to the 20th of December. Of this meeting, if 
held, I find no record. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK IO3 

But the leaven had begun to work. In January, 1820, 
Hon. David Cony addressed a letter to ex-President John 
Adams, in part as follows : 

"Sir: The circular enclosed regards a subject which has 
several times, within forty years past, been brought before 
the public * * * Shall Maine separate from Massacku- 
settsf I should feel particularly grateful to know your 
opinion." * * * 

Ex-President Adams in reply, Feb. i, 1819, wrote in part: 
"Dear Sir : 

* * * "The question you state to me is of so much 
importance and the decision of it leads to consequences so 
extensive that a volume might be written in favor of the 
affirmative, and another in favor of the negative. My forces 
are not competent to the composition of either, my judg- 
ment poor as it is, and my inclinations strong as they are, 
are all on the side of union. * * * g^t I can tell you 
how it will be when there arises in Maine a bold, daring, 
ardent genius, with talents capable of inspiring the people 
with his own enthusiasm, and ambition. He will tear off 
Maine from Massachusetts and leave her a state below 
mediocrity in the union. My advice therefore is to remain 
as you are long as you can." Mr. Adams' advice was not 
followed. The "ardent genius" arose in the person of 
William King of Bath, who was President of the Consti- 
tutional Convention, and the first Governor of Maine. 



CIVIL LIST — COLONY 

REPRESENTATIVES UNDER CHARTER 
Edward Risworth, 1653-1666 Peter Weare, 

CIVIL LIST 



I 665- I 666 



REPRESENTATIVES IN GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS 
AND LEGISLATURE OF MAINE FROM 169O TO I9I3 



1690-91 Josiah Bragdon, 
Peter Weare, 

169.2 T T 

Isaac Lyman, 

1694 Capt. Thomas Savage, 

^ _ Cotton Chase, 
1698 



Samuel Donnell, 

Jeremiah Moulton, ] 

Moses Turprey, ) 

William Screvine, 

Abraham Preble, ^ 

Ezekiel Rodgers, j 

From 1768 to 1724 no record. Josiah Chase, 

Peter Nowell, 17^4 Nathaniel Webber, 

Samuel Came, 1725-43 Solomon Brooks, 

Jeremiah Moulton, 1726-28 William Mclntire, 

Johnson Harmon, 1727 Theodore Wilson, 

Richard Millbury, 1729 to 39-45 Samuel Webber, 

Samuel Clark, 1741 George M. Freeman, 

Capt. Thomas Bragdon, Alexander Dennett, 

1747 to 1750-63-69-70-71-72-73 George Bowden, 

Joseph Plaisted, 1752 Charles Came, 

John Bradbury, 1753-1762 William H. Swett, 

Jonathan Sayward, 1765 to 1768 Samuel E. Payne, 

1774-75 Asa Mclntire, 

1776-77 Josiah D. Bragdon, 

1778 to '84 Charles C. Barrell, 

1785-86 Charles Junkins, 

1787-89-96-98 Joseph Bragdon, Jr., 

1790 George W. S. Putnam 

1791 to 1793 George M. Payne, 

1794 Josiah D. Bragdon, 

1795-99-1800-5 James A. Bragdon, 



Daniel Bragdon, 
Joseph Simpson, 
Col. Edward Grow, 
John Swett, 
Capt. Esais Preble, 
Hon. David Sewall, 
Joseph Tucker, 
Nathaniel Barrell, 
Joseph Bragdon, 



Major Samuel Derby, 1801 to 1804 Daniel B. Harris, 

Alexander Mclntire, Samuel W. Junkins, 

1806-7-8-1 5-16-20-23-30-33 Edward S. Marshall, 

Elihu Bragdon, Fremont Varrell, 

1807-9-10-11-12-13-15-18-19- Joseph W. Simpson, 

20-23-24 John E. Staples, 

Jere Clark, 1809 Richard F. Talpey, 

Joseph Bradbury, 1810-11-12-13-15 Josiah Chase, 

Joseph Weare, Jr., 1810-11 Arthur E. Bragdon, 



12-13-15 

1812 

1816 

1817 

1819 

Charles O. Emerson, 1825 to 1828 

1829-35-43-54 

1831-32-44 

1834-36-37-40 

1838-39 

1841-42 

i845-4'5 
1847-48 
1849-50 

185^-53 

1855-56 

1857-58 

1859-60 

1862 

1864 

1866 

1868 

1870 

1872 

1874 
1876 
1878 
1880 
1884 
1889 
1892 
1896 
1901 
1905 
1909- I I 
1913 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 



105 



CIVIL LIST — UNITED STATES 

Presidential Elector — David Sewall, 1788. 

Collector of Internal Revenue — Nathaniel G. Marshall, 1862 to 1870. 

Chief Accountant of Portsmouth Navy Yard — Edward G. Moody, 

1873-74- 
Provincial Congress — Daniel Bragdon, 1774-75. 



COLLECTORS OF CUSTOMS 



Richard Trevett, 


1791 


Joseph Tucker, 


1795 


Samuel Derby, 


1804 


Jeremiah Clarke, 


1809 


Alexander Mclntire, 


1811 


Jeremiah Bradbury, 


1815 


Thomas Savage, 


1821 


Mark Dennett, 


1829 


Joseph P. Junkins, 


1840 


Jeremiah Brooks, 


1841 


Nathaniel G. Marshall, 


1849 



Luther Junkins, 
Washington Junkins, 
George Bovvden, 
Jeremiah S. Putnam, 
Edward A. Bragdon, 
Joel Wilson, 
George W. Currier, 
Edward W. Baker, 
Edward H. Banks, 
George E. Marshall, 
Herbert D. Philbrick, 



185.3 
i860 
i860 
1861 
1870 
1886 
1891 
1898 
1902 
1905 
1908 



CIVIL LIST — PROVINCE AND STATE 
1698 to 1913 

TOWN CLERKS 

James Plaisted, 1698 Edgar A. Mclntire, 1852101856 

Followed by Abraham Preble. Washington Junkins, 1856 to 1863 

Joseph Moody, 1723101732 Charles I. Hutchins, 1864 to 1865 

Jeremiah Moulton, 1733 to 1743 Samuel P. Young, 1865 to 1873 

Abraham Nowell, 1744-45 C. O. Clark. 1873 to 1874 

Daniel Moulton, 1745 to 1782-84 Nathaniel G. Marshall, 

Joseph Simpson, 1875 to 1879 

1782 to 1783-1784 to 1794 Joseph Bragdon, 1880101892 

Joseph Tucker, 1795 to 1801 Bradford S. Woodward, 

Moses Lyman, 1802 to 1808 1893 to 1895 

Alexander Mclntire, 1809101815- Allen C. Moulton, 1895 to 1899 

1818 to 1821-1827 to 1837-1839 A. B. Bragdon, 1900 to 1901 

to June, 1852, when he de- George F. Plaisted, 

ceased. 1901 to the present time 
JUDGES OF COURT COMMON PLEAS 

Job Alcock, 1692 Samuel Came, 1731 

Samuel Donnell, 1699 Joseph Moody, 

Abraham Preble, 1699 1731. resigned 1732 

Samuel Moody, 1724, appointed Jeremiah Moulton, Dec. 15, 1732, 

to succeed Abraham Preble, to fill vacancy. 

who died March 24, 1724, 

aged forty-nine years. 



I06 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 



STATE SENATORS 

Alexander Mclntire, 1835-36 Nathaniel G. Marshall, 1861-62 

Solomon Brooks, 1843-4^ John C. Stewart, 1891 

William Mclntire, 1853-54 Joseph W. Simpson, 1905-7 

COUNCILLORS UNDER MASSACHUSETTS 

Job Alcock, 1692 John Bradbury, 1763-72 

Samuel Donnell, 1700 David Sewall, 1776-78-80 

Samuel Came, 1 733-41 Joseph Simpson, 1780-81 

Jeremiah Moulton, 1735-51 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 

Joseph Bragdon. Samuel Junkins, 

1874-75-76-77-78-79 1901-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-1 1-12 

MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 
Edward C. Moody, 1879 Edward S. Marshall, 1897-99 

STATE TREASURER 
Joseph W. Simpson, 1913 

SHERIFFS OF COUNTY 

Henry Norton, 1653 Jotham Moulton, 1771 

Abraham Preble, Jr., 1713 Johnson Moulton, 1784 

Jeremiah Moulton, 1724 Nathaniel G. Marshall, 1854-1857 

Jeremiah Moulton, Jr., 1752 

CLERK OF COURTS 
Daniel Sewall, 1794-1812 Jeremiah Bradbury, 1812-1838 



THE PASSING OF THE CUSTOMS DISTRICT OF 

YORK 

In his message to the third session of the 6ist Congress, 
Dec. 6, 1910, President Taft said : "There are entirely too 
many customs districts and too many customs collectors. These 
districts should be consolidated, and the collectors in charge 
of them, who draw good salaries, many of them out of pro- 
portion to the collections made, should be abolished or treated 
as mere branch offices, in accordance with the plan of the 
Treasury Department which will be presented for the con- 
sideration of Congress. As an illustration, the cost of collect- 
ing $1 of revenue at typical small ports like the port of York, 
Me., was $50.04 or $510 per year. Subsequently the Congress 
authorized the carrying out of the plan suggested. And under 
the order of the President the last day of his one term of office, 
March 3, 1913, the Customs District of York was abolished, 
and thenceforth all business arising at York will have to be 
transacted at Portsmouth, N. H., the nearest port of entry. 
Miss Adaline Talpey Marshall, who has been Deputy Collector 
of the Port since October, 1905, delivered the effects of the 
office to Deputy Collector Looney of Portsmouth, N. H. Mr. 
H. D. Philbrick had been Acting Collector since Jan. 15. 1911. 

The York Customs District was one of the oldest in the 
country. At the first session of the Congress of the United 
States in June, 1789, a law was passed with a preamble de- 
claring it to be "necessary for the support of Government, for 
the discharge of the debts of the United States, and the encour- 
agement of manufactures, that duties be laid on goods, wares, 
and merchandise imported." This law imposed specific duties 
on a long list of enumerated articles and an ad valorem duty 



io8 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 



upon otliers. The duties on goods imported in American ves- 
sels were ten per cent less than if brought in foreign vessels. 
Thereupon in 1790 Customs Districts with ports of entry and 
delivery were established on the seaboard and northern and 
eastern border, and early in 1791 Secretary of the Treasury 
Alexander Hamilton recommended Richard Trevett as a suit- 
able person to organize and establish a working institution the 
Custom House at York. He was nominated by President 
Washington for Collector, confirmed by the Senate, and his 
commission dates March 21, 1791. He was followed by the 
persons named down to Jan. 15, 1907: 



Name 



Date of Tempor- 
ary Commission 



Date of Permanent 
Commission 



Trevett, Richard 
Tucker, Joseph 
Derby, Samuel 
Clarke, Jeremiah 
Mclntire, Alexander 
Bradbury, Jeremiah 
Dennett, Mark 

Junkins, Joseph P. 
Brooks, Jeremiah 
Junkins, Joseph P. 
Marshall, Nathaniel ( 
Junkins, Luther 
Bowden, George G. 
Putnam, Jeremiah S. 

Bragdon, Edward A. 



Wilson, Joel 
Currier, George W. 
Baker, Edward W. 
Banks, Edward H. 
Marshall, George E. 
Philbrick, Herbert D. 



July 26, 1793 



March i 
April I, 
July 16, 

July 10, 
May 15, 
July 20, 



9, 1841 
1845 



i860 
1 86 1 
1865 



March 10, il 



March 21, 1791 
January 28, 1794 
December 21, 1803 
March 2, 1807 
February 8, 1809 
February 23, 1813 
February 9, 1833 
March 8, 1837 
July 3, 1840 
July 2, 1841 
February 26, 1846 
September 27, 1850 
December 22, 1857 
February 21, 1861 
July 20, 1861 
FelDruary 15, 1866 
April 21, 1870 
May 2, 1874 
May 2, 1878 
May 19, 1882 
July 12, 1886 
July 31, 1890 
August 28, 1894 
January 19, 1900 
March 12, 1903 
January 1 5, 1907 



Later Joseph Lowe was Deputy at York and Samuel Webber 
at Cape Neddick. 

David Wilcox was Weigher and Inspector for five years. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK IO9 

In 1865 during the second term of Dr. Putnam, on the 
recommendation of WilHam A. Cromwell of South Berwick, 
an Inspector of the Treasury Department, the positions of 
Deputy Collectors were abolished. Following the resignation 
of Mr. Banks Andrew W. Junkins was Deputy Collector. At 
the death of George E. Marshall, Adaline T. Marshall became 
Acting Collector, and on Mr. H. D. Philbrick's appointment 
she became Special Deputy. 



YORK HARBOR & BEACH RAILROAD 

Up to i860 the only inland mode of public travel with the 
outside communities was by a stage line between Kennebunk 
and Portsmouth managed by Isaiah Farwell. This line had 
succeeded in part the through line by stage from Portland to 
Boston. Three times a week Mr. Farwell passed through each 
way. In 1872 and '73 the old line was discontinued. John P. 
Grant followed Mr. Farwell and he by William Grant, he by 
Grant and Stewart. In the fall of 1882 a public meeting was 
called but not largely attended for the purpose of discussing 
the question of obtaining better facilities for the transportation 
of people and freight which the fast increasing business of 
the town seemed to demand. A paper setting forth in detail 
the business of the town was compiled and John E. Staples, 
Edward S. Marshall, Henry E. Evans and John C. Stewart 
were chosen a committee to wait upon Mr. E. B. Phillips, the 
President of the Eastern Railroad Co., and present the facts 
and also to urge the advisability of that company extending a 
line from Portsmouth to York. Mr. Phillips received the com- 
mittee kindly and listened to what they had to say, verbally and 
orally, and then informed them that the Eastern Railroad Com- 
pany was in no condition to finance the scheme. He said : 
"When the time comes that the Eastern R. R. needs two tracks 
from Portsmouth to Portland, then we may consider the ad- 
visability of building a line through York ; but at present we 
need four tracks between Boston and Portsmouth more than 
we need two beyond Portsmouth. On the way home the com- 
mittee discussed the situation thoroughly and decided to build 
a railroad on their own account, and as one writer has it, these 
four railroad kings, Marshall, Stewart, Evans and Staples, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK III 

began work at once. They employed Civil Engineers Foss and 
Merrill of Concord, N. H., to make a survey, they paid the 
surveyors, cut the bushes, carried the chain for the survey of 
four different lines between Kittery Depot and York Beach. 
At the session of the Legislature of 1883 a charter was obtained 
and the above named with Jeremiah P. Simpson and Dr. F. E. 
Potter of Portsmouth, N. H., were the incorporators. Dr. 
Potter declined to act, and Samuel W. Junkins of York, and 
Dr. Evan B. Hammond of Nashua, N. H., were elected. The 
organization was completed by the election of Edward S. 
Marshall, President, John C. Stewart, Clerk, and they with 
Staples, Evans, Simpson, Junkins and Hammond were chosen 
Directors. A stock book was opened and subscriptions invited. 
Mr. Marshall subscribed for sixty shares, the others twenty 
each, the shares being placed at a face value of fifty dollars. 
At the next annual meeting Samuel W. Junkins was made 
Treasurer. The Boston & Maine Railroad Company having 
secured control of the Eastern Company, efforts were made in 
that direction for aid in building the road. Hon. Frank Jones 
of Portsmouth was a director of the Boston & Maine, and he 
became personally interested in the matter, having subscribed 
to the stock, and through his influence Mr. Bissell, the chief 
engineer of the Boston & Maine, came to view the several 
routes that had been surveyed. After a careful examination 
of each he reported to Mr. Jones and the company upon the 
feasibility of all. The charter would expire on Feb. ist, 1885, 
if no location was made. Up to this time the officials of the 
road had remained the same with the exception that Mr. J. P. 
Simpson had been made Treasurer in place of Mr. Junkins. 
Jan. 15, 1885, a location was adopted and filed, thus the char- 
ter received a continuance for two more years. In December, 
1885, the old officers were re-elected and no more was done 



112 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

until Sept. 21, 1886. At that time Mr. Marshall resigned as 
President and Dr. Hammond was elected, thereupon he added 
nine thousand dollars to his subscription, and Mr. Marshall 
raised his to five thousand ; thus far the subscription amounted 
to twenty-six thousand dollars. It has been said that "to these 
two men more than to any others is due the successful com- 
pletion of the undertaking." The town declined to aid in any 
respect, even refusing to endorse company's bonds for twenty- 
five thousand dollars, although offered a first mortgage of the 
road as security. Much of the right-of-way was given by the 
landholders. Edward C. Moody gave one hundred dollars for 
the purchase of the site for a station at Long Beach. October 
22, 1886, the specifications were completed and bids for the 
construction asked for. These bids were to be opened Nov. 
1st. They were for a narrow guage railroad from York Beach 
to a point near Butler's Crossing about a half mile east of 
Kittery Depot. Mr. Jones seeing that the building of a nar- 
row guage road was nearing a certainty, at once sent word to 
the directors to suspend all contracts or further action until 
a conference could be held between them and the directors of 
the B. & M. ; this was done. A committee from the directorate 
of York H. & B. met a similar committee of the B. & M. and 
an agreement was made subject to final assent of the board of 
directors of each road, to wit: The Y. H. & B. Company would 
give a right of way from Kittery Junction to the terminal of 
the road in York, and take fifty thousand dollars worth of the 
stock. The Boston & Maine would furnish the balance of the 
necessary funds to complete the road and take stock certifi- 
cate, as bonds were to be issued, also provide all rolling stock 
and equip them at actual cost, give the Y. H. & B. road the 
free use of the road from Kittery Junction across the river 
to Portsmouth Station, also all terminal facilities in Ports- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK II3 

mouth, until the Y. H. & B. stock should pay a dividend of 
two and a half dollars per share or five per cent., and they 
would construct a road of standard guage. The first contract 
was let December 6, 1886, and work began at once. August 
8, 1887, the first train was run to Long Beach. The next week 
the terminal called "Union Blufif" was reached. This is now 
known as York Beach. The cost of the road approximated 
three hundred and ten thousand dollars. 



ALMSHOUSE AND NEW HOME 

Previous to 1838 the indigent portion of the population 
known as paupers and requiring the support of the town as 
such, were cared for in a somewhat doubtful manner, under 
the "bidding-off" system, that is to say, the unfortunates were 
auctioned to the different parties who for reasons of a little 
gain that might be coaxed or driven from the pauper so bid 
off by relatives with charitable intentions, and others for vari- 
ous reasons. But as a whole the plan was a hardship for the 
poor unfortunate. At the date above stated the idea was real- 
ized of building or purchasing an almshouse and securing land 
for a farm as being considered a more humane way for the 
care of this class of people. After a number of exciting meet- 
ings were held, it was finally voted to purchase a farm with 
buildings, or procure land and erect buildings thereon if a 
farm with suitable buildings was not available. The Chap- 
man farm at Raynes' Neck was bargained for, but the owner 
on reflection declined to deed the property. Then land was 
purchased of Mrs. Abigail Emerson and a set of buildings 
built and the poor requiring a home at the expense of the town 
were gathered from their several "bid-offs" and placed therein 
under the care of a Superintendent and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. 
John Banks. After being occupied more than fifty years, it 
was found that extensive repairs or a new house on a better 
location was a necessity, and at a town meeting held Dec. 13, 
1890, the following vote was passed: 

Voted: That Joseph Bragdon, Wilson M. Walker, J. P. 
Simpson, Lemuel Mitchell, James A. Bragdon, Charles Junkins, 
Almon H. Merrow, John F. Plaisted, Charles A. Grant, Josiah 
D. Bragdon, be a committee in relation to the improvement of 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK II5 

the Town Farm buildings, whether it be best to repair or build 
new, and if to do either, to investigate the cost and location of 
the same, and to report their proceedings to the next annual 
town meeting. The committee reported as follows, and at the 
annual meeting, March 9th, 1891, their report was accepted 
and further action taken as follows : — 

* * * And your committee would submit the following 
recommendations for your consideration at this present meet- 
ing, March, 1891. 

First. That a committee of three or five shall be chosen, 
one of whom shall be a practical builder, as a building com- 
mittee, and that this committee under instructions from the 
town shall have power to arrange for the location of the build- 
ing or buildings, as the case may be, and to contract with 
responsible parties for the erection of the same, to be com- 
pleted prior to the annual Town Meeting in March, 1892. 

Second. That the town vote a sum of money not exceeding 
five thousand dollars ($5000) to carry into effect the fore- 
going recommendations. 

York, March 9, 1891. 



Signed by Committee 



Voted to raise four thousand dollars to be expended for 
building an almshouse upon the recommendation of the fore- 
going committee. 

Voted that a committee of five be chosen by nominations 
from the floor for a building committee, and Edward B. Blais- 
dell, Henry Grover, Henry E. Evans, Lemuel Mitchell and 
Bradford S. Woodward were nominated and chosen said com- 
mittee. 

The New Home was opened for the reception of inmates. 



Il6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Oct. 28, 1 89 1, and the old house was at once vacated. Brad- 
ford S. Woodward was the first superintendent at the New 
Home. 

George W. Currier, Esq., auditor, in his report dated Feb. 
21, 1892, says: "The town is to be congratulated upon having 
a home for the unfortunately poor, which will compare favor- 
ably with any similar institutions in the State, and it is a credit 
to the liberality of the town. Generous donations were re- 
ceived from various organizations and private individuals, 
towards furnishing the house." A barn connected with the 
"New House" was built in 1894 at an expense of $1500. The 
old buildings were disposed of at public auction by those chosen 
to build the barn, which consisted of William H. Chase, Brad- 
ford S. Woodward, Edward E. Young, Edward B. Blaisdell 
and Edward C. Moody. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF TOWN FARM FROM ITS ESTABEISHMENT 

John Banks Alvah Trafton 

George Norton Josiah Norton 

George Woodward Addison G. Norton 

Joseph Plaisted William H. Grant 

Henry Grover John F. Todd 

Theodore Beal Timothy Furbish 

Thomas A Whittle William P. Titcomb 

James Warren Bradford S. Woodward 

Joseph Woodward William H. Chase 

Johnson B. Moulton George M. Robinson 

Gardner Swett Stephen Adams 
Charles H. Sayward 



THE YORK HOSPITAL 

This institution was founded and incorporated Novem- 
ber 5th, 1904, under the laws of Maine. 

Clerk of the Corporation. Albert M. Bragdon. 

Wilson L. Hawkes, Jasper J. Hazen, Frank W. Smith, 
Edward C. Cook, Seabury W. Allen, E. H. Siter, and Louis 
F. Bishop, all allopath physicians and surgeons, were the 
first trustees. 

The Davidson estate was purchased at a cost of $15,000. 

Changes by remodeling interior, and repairs, $3,000. 

Construction of Nurses' Home, $2,000. 

There are no bequests. 

Under the lead of Mrs. Newton Perkins in 1905 a Jap- 
anese fete was planned, and materialized, and among other 
noted guests were the two prominent envoys of Japan who 
attended the Peace Conference at Portsmouth, Baron Ko- 
mura and Count Takahira. A few days after the hospital 
trustees received from each of these men a check for $500. 
Later Count Witte, the Russian envoy, sent $200. These 
gifts and the proceeds of the fete, and several contributions 
brought the sum available for hospital purposes to $6,000. 

"The Marianna Bryan Lathrop Memorial District Nurse" 
was established by Mrs. Thomas Nelson Page in memory of 
her mother, and is connected with, but not a part of the 
hospital. It has an annual interest value of $800 specifically 
designated to the payment for services of a district nurse. 
The trustees of this fund are Thomas Nelson Page, Bryan 
Lathrop, Arthur T. Aldis. The District Nurse makes visits 
among the poor, and emergency cases, making about one 
hundred and fifty calls each month. 



Il8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

The hospital furnishes yearly about 1200 days' service to 
approximately 100 patients, sixty per cent, of which is free. 

The York Hospital opened its doors to the public on July 
22, 1906. There is no doubt as to the usefulness of its 
mission, and of the benefits it bestows charitably and by fee 
to those who seek relief, and it is now the recipient of a 
yearly stipend from the state of $1200, and the town of 
$1500. 

Yearly by subscription Mrs. Samuel Seabury Allen has 
secured a tidy sum for the use of the institution. 



ELECTRIC PLANT 

After giving the matter careful consideration, in 1894 
Hon. Edward S. Marshall decided to erect a plant for the 
production of electricity for light, heat and power purposes. 
He chose as the site a situation near the station of the York 
Harbor & Beach R. R. The plant was completed and in 
operation about August i, 1895. 

It was incorporated under Legislative Act as the Aga- 
menticus Light and Power Company in 1899. June i, 1910, 
it was incorporated as the Agamenticus Electric Light Co. 

In 191 1, July ist, the last named corporation was taken 
over by the York Light and Heat Co., George F. West, 
President, and called the "York Division," of which Fred 
W. Marshall was made Superintendent. The town entered 
into an agreement with the company for street lighting. 

February 19, 1910, was the beginning of all-the-year 
service, the current for some three or four months being 
taken from the Twin State Corporation in Dover. 



YORK COUNTY NATIONAL BANK 

The growth of York's summer population had so in- 
creased that among others who did not fail to take the 
initiative were Edward S. Marshall, Wilson M. Walker and 
James T. Davidson, who believed the time was ripe and 
opportunity present for the establishment of a National Bank 
in York. Thereupon a charter was obtained and the Bank 
established Feb. 6, 1893, with the following directors, James 
T. Davidson, Wilson M. Walker, Charles A. Grant, Jere- 
miah P. Simpson, George M. Simpson. The capital stock 
was $60,000. 

James T. Davidson was chosen President ; Wilson M. 
Walker, Vice President; Albert M. Bragdon, Clerk and 
Cashier. 

In 1894 the bank building was erected. The growth of 
the business has been almost phenomenal. In 1893 the de- 
posits were $59,000. In 191 2 the deposits were more than 
$550,000. 

The present directors are Mrs. Elizabeth B. Davidson, 
Albert M. Bragdon, Capt. John Dennett, Frank D. Marshall, 
and Joseph W. Simpson; with Elizabeth B. Davidson, Pres- 
ident, John Dennett, Vice President, Albert M. Bragdon, 
Cashier. 

From its establishment the affairs of the bank have been 
ably managed in a modern and yet conservative manner. 
The only ripple to ruffle the smoothness of the flow of busi- 
ness was in April, 1909, when the first (and last to date) 
run on the bank was made, April 5, 1909. On April 3rd 
the selectmen directed the Treasurer of the town to with- 
draw $9,000, a part of the so-called Clark fund. A number 
of individual depositors also withdrew their funds. On the 



HISTORY OF TFIE TOWN OF YORK 121 

5th, Monday morning, about forty men congregated before 
the Bank building intending to withdraw their deposits. A 
few did so. However, the result of the day was that a 
greater amount of money had been deposited than was with- 
drawn. On the 6th, Tuesday morning, parties from out 
of town appeared to demand their money; but on seeing 
$30,000 in gold and bank notes upon the counting tables 
decided that it was "well to let a good thing alone." 

Thus ended the run on the bank. 

To the reporter of the Boston Herald, Mr. Bragdon, the 
Cashier, said : "It was a dastardly attempt to ruin a bank 
to satisfy personal spite." Mr. Bragdon also said that he 
had received telephone messages that morning from the 
Shawmut National Bank in Boston and two banks of Ports- 
mouth offering all the money they needed, but they had not 
been obliged to accept the kind offers. 

The York Transcript said : 

"If those individuals who had in mind the wrecking of 
the York County National Bank had used their common 
sense as much as they used their tongues, they never would 
have undertaken to carry out such a foolhardy scheme. 

"It seems beyond comprehension that men of common 
sense and good understanding could have attempted to make 
a run upon a bank which has made the greater part of its 
loans among the very people who attempted to make a run. 
Any man with a fair understanding would know that the 
result would simply be that the bank would call in its loans. 

"This would mean that in order to withdraw perhaps 
$125,000 the bank could call from the very same people, 
loans amounting to over a quarter of a million. Such an 
action on the part of the bank would simply stagger the 
financial condition of the town, and would embarrass finan- 
cially the very men who desired to ruin the bank." 



YORK REALTY COMPANY 

In accordance with Sections i6, 17, 18 and 19 of Chap. 
48, R. S., the York Reahy Company was organized for the 
purpose of holding, leasing, managing, and improving real 
estate. Also to own and convey buildings of any kind, and 
interests therein, also for the purpose of selling stocks and 
bonds, and securities of any other corporation. 

The articles of association were signed Aug. 15, 1903, by 
Joseph P. Bragdon, John C. Stewart, Josiah Chase, Walter 
M. Smith, J. Perley Putnam, Edward S. Marshall, Frank 
D. Marshall, and George E. Marshall. Subsequently John 
C. Stewart, Walter M. Smith of Stamford, Conn., Josiah 
Chase, Edward O. Emerson of Titusville, Pa., J. Perley 
Putnam, Francis Lynde Stetson of New York, and Edward 
S. Marshall were elected directors. Later Samuel W. Jun- 
kins was chosen a director. The directors organized with 
the choice of John C. Stewart, President, and J. Perley 
Putnam, Treasurer; Frank D. Marshall had previously been 
elected Clerk. The corporation proceeded to erect the 
Realty Building; the President, Treasurer, and Edward S. 
Marshall being the Building Committee. The building and 
site cost approximately $27,000 and was and is the first 
structure built of brick in York for office and commercial 
purposes. In April, 191 3, the property was purchased by 
Ernest F. Hobson, 



NEWSPAPER 

York's first newspaper under the name of "The York 
Courant" was started and estabhshed Sept. 4th, 1891, in 
Chas. H. Junkins' store, by George F. Plaisted, with the 
following announcement : 

To Our Readers : 

This is the first issue of a newspaper ever printed in the 
Town of York. 

We believe it is an important stride in the welfare of our 
good old Town. 

In assuming full management of the paper, we do so with 
mingled feelings of pride and embarrassment, and, while we 
will not use extravagant language as to what we will do, 
we can safely promise that we shall use our best endeavors 
to make a paper worthy of your support and patronage. 

Our columns will be open to criticism and comment. 

Letters of a vindictive nature will not be published. 

We will be ever ready to defend the innocent and expose 
wrongs without fear or favor as to person or rank. 

Politics will be a thing unknown in these columns. 

No blackguardism, no personal imputations without proof. 

We will work to improve our paper and to increase its 
usefulness. 

We shall be alive and alert to the best interests of the 
public. 

With these few remarks we launch out into the newspaper 
world asking the support of the public. 

George F. Plaisted. 

Mr. Plaisted in the salutatory at the beginning of the 
second year said: 



124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

"On entering Vol. 11, we said, *How well the Coiirant 
has prospered both in size and appearance we leave our 
readers to decide. For onrself we are highly pleased with 
its growth and general outlook.' 

"As a journalist we cannot entertain a hope of matching 
the illustrious Horace Greeley, only in one point. He did 
the best he could. That is what we propose to do, and will 
endeavor to fill the space as well as he did in proportion to 
the field and our ability." 

Subsequently the plant was purchased by the York Pub- 
lishing Company, Edward S. Marshall, Trustee, and the 
publication carried the name of "The Old York Transcript 
& York Courant." Previous to this time a paper estab- 
lished by Edwin D. Twombly called the Transcript had a 
fair circulation, but the consolidation of the papers was 
deemed advisable. 

At this writing Edward C. Hawkes is President, Myron 
F. Cox, Treasurer and General Manager of the Company. 



WATER COMPANY 

A MOST important factor in all that makes for the health, 
wealth, and prosperity of York is its unrivalled supply of 
pure water for domestic and public use. The York Shore 
Water Company was organized under a charter granted by 
the Legislature of 1895, approved by the Governor March 
5th. The incorporators named were Josiah Chase, Lindley 
M. Webb, William R. Howard, Wilson L. Hawkes, Hart- 
ley W. Mason, John E. Norwood, Jeremiah P. Simpson, 
John L. Chase, and John H. Varrell. Josiah Chase was 
made President, and Wilson L. Hawkes, Treasurer. At an 
early day the company was placed on a sound financial foot- 
ing and preparations made to take water from "Chase Pond," 
now known as "Chase Lake." Every needed effort has 
been directed to the maintaining of the sanitary condition 
of the lake, reservoir and surroundings, and the analysis of 
the contents at stated times evidences the purity of the water 
supplied by the company. What the summer business of 
York would become if deprived of this inestimable boon is 
difficult to even conjecture. The management is liberally 
disposed, and many a lawn would be seared and brown but 
for this liberality. 

This appears to be one of the instances where a corpo- 
ration gives all the advantages claimed under municipal 
ownership, without public responsibility attached. 



SCHOOLS 

The earliest record we have in relation to official action 
in the matter of schools is that of 1701, when the selectmen 
employed Nathaniel Freeman as a schoolmaster for £8 per 
year and ^d per week for teaching reading and 40? a week 
for writing and ciphering. He commenced his duties May 
5th. The next year his salary was raised to £10, with same 
prices for other branches as in 1701. In 1709 the selectmen 
were instructed by the town to hire a schoolmaster for seven 
years "to teach all in the town to read, write and cipher." 

"Att a Legall Town Meeting holden in York March Ye 
21, 1709-10 Abra M Preble Jun Chosen Town Clerk for 
the year Insewing. Arthur Bragdon Sen Small Came 
Richard Millbury and Joseph Young and Joseph Moulton 
chosen Select men votd our Select men for the Time Being 
are hereby Impowered and desiered to hier a Scool Master 
for the full terme of seven years to Keep Scool in our said 
town of York to Teach all persons belonging to sd Town to 
Read write an sifer : and sd Scool Master to be paid yearely 
for his service as our sd Select men shall a Gree 

Abra M Preple Town CI." 

Above is copied verbatim from Book i, page 452, of York 
Records. 

In 171 1 Mr. Freeman was engaged for the seven years 
expiring 17 19. He agreed to teach from eight o'clock in 
the morning to twelve M. and from one to five P. M. for 
£30 per year, payment quarterly, one-third of which was 
to be in provisions, the balance in money. Also to provide 
him quarter the town was to build him a house 22 feet by 
18 with a brick chimney. The school was to be free to all 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I27 

above five years of age. In 171 7 a vote was passed to em- 
ploy a grand school master for one year to instruct the chil- 
dren in learned things, and from time to time action was 
taken in the interests of education. In 1723 Rev. Samuel 
Moody had a class in Latin. Previous to 1760 a building: 
had been erected near the parsonage for a schoolhouse where 
Master Moody taught; this was the nucleus from which 
District No. i was evolved. The schoolhouse that was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1838 was succeeded by the one that is 
now a part of the stable of D. N. Armstrong. Previous to 
the abolishment of the district system by the Legislature 
there were fifteen school districts in York, as follows : No. 
I, Center; 2, Raynes Neck; 3, South Side; 4, Scotland; 
5, Brixham; 6, Beach Ridge; 7, Bell Marsh; 8, North Vil- 
lage; 9, Ground Root Hill (West); 10, Ground Root Hill 
(East); II, Cape Neddick, East; 12, Scituate; 13, Cider 
Hill; 14, Pine Hill; 15, Cape Neddick. In the year 1850 
when the Bell Marsh district was abolished there were 11 50 
scholars enrolled in the town. In 1849 ^ private boarding 
school was established by Isaiah P. Moody, which was well 
patronized, with an average yearly attendance of resident 
and non-resident pupils to the number of fifty. 

Free High School Building 

In the warrant for the annual town meeting in 1893, 
Article 12 read as follows: "To see what sum of money the 
town will raise for a Free High School for the ensuing 
year, by request of G. E. M. Smiley and twenty-four others."' 
And on that article two hundred and fifty dollars was appro- 
priated, and with the amount of stipend allowed by the state 
"a high school on wheels" was started and continued up to 
1902 with a varied degree of success. In the report of 



128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Edward C. Cook, Superintendent of Schools, for the year 
1899, he said: "The high school has had another most 
prosperous year, and has worked out for itself its destiny. 
It has become an indispensable part of our school system. 
* * * A new building is necessary. * * * A nucleus 
is already in prospect toward a high school fund. * * * 
A proper home should be erected for this infant institution 
which is fast becoming a source of pride to the town, which 
by making better citizens of her children will bring back to 
York her ancient glory as the foremost town in this section. 
It is earnestly hoped that favorable action in this matter will 
be taken at this March meeting. 

High School Building 

In the warrant for the annual meeting. March, 1900. 
Article 20 was "To see if the town will appropriate a sum 
of money to build a building for the High School, or take 
any action thereon. By request of Edward C. Cook and 
six others. Following is an abstract from the Town 
Record : 

Annual Meeting, March 12, ipoo. 

Article 20. It was moved that the sum of three thousand 
dollars be raised to erect a high school building ; this motion 
was amended to read ten thousand dollars, which amend- 
ment was carried 125 to 88. 

Voted that a committee to consist of the superintending 
school committee, the superintendent of schools when elected, 
Edward S. Marshall, John C. Stewart and James T. David- 
son, be elected to take into consideration the matter of a 
proper high school building, procure options on suitable 
localities, ascertain the probable cost of lot and buildino-s, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 1 29 

at the expense of the town, and report in writing to the 
town at a special meeting to be held not later than May- 
first. 

Voted that the ten thousand dollars be raised by issuing 
town bonds, same to run ten years at three per cent interest. 
158 to o. 

The special meeting above mentioned was holden on 
April 30, 1900, after the choice of lot had been made by 
ballot. 

On motion by Hon. E. C. Moody it was voted "That the 
superintending school committee, the superintendent of 
schools, and James T. Davidson, Edward S. Marshall, John 
C. Stewart, be and are hereby constituted a building com- 
mittee to have in charge the erection of a high school build- 
ing, at an expense not exceeding ten thousand dollars, and 
they are instructed to issue proposals for building of same 
in accordance with plan and specifications that are adopted 
and to award the contract in such manner as they deem for 
the interest of the town." 

Annual Meeting March ii, igoi. 

Article 22. To see what action the town will take in 
relation to building the Free High School Building, on peti- 
tion of Charles W. Junkins and eleven others. 

On Article 22, voted that the building committee be au- 
thorized to purchase an additional acre and three thousand 
dollars was appropriated to purchase the three acres, the 
same to be laid out to the satisfaction of the committee. 

Voted that the committee be instructed to have the build- 
ing completed for the fall term of school. 

A resolution was passed favoring a brick building. 

Voted that the town issue five thousand dollars worth of 



130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

bonds on and under the same conditions as the ten thousand 
dollars issued last year. 

Voted to reconsider and that the same lay upon the table. 

Annual Meeting March 10, igo2. 

Article 20. To see what action the town will take to 
raise money to finish the High School Building or take any 
action relating to the same. 

On Article 20, voted that the Selectmen and Treasurer 
be and are hereby authorized, instructed and empowered to 
issue bonds of the town of York bearing three per cent, 
interest payable semi-annually; that said bonds be payable 
one thousand dollars each year, and that the amount of said 
bonds be sufficient to meet the $10,000 this day appropriated 
for the high school building, the $20,000 due next year, and, 
if satisfactory to the present holders, the $15,000 due in 
1911. 

The committee under some difficulties, and in face of the 
fact that the vote had been "reconsidered and laid upon the 
table," a somewhat unusual parliamentary situation, went 
ahead. Nathaniel B. Shattuck, Charles W. Junkins, Her- 
bert D. Philbrick, School Committee, Edward C. Cook, 
Superintendent of Schools, Edward S. Marshall, James T. 
Davidson and John C. Stewart being in charge. 

At the special meeting of April 30, 1900, a choice of site 
for the building was chosen from four locations named, 
Grant's field, York Beach, Parish, and Marshall. On the 
third ballot Grant's field was selected. The approximate 
cost of lot, building, and furnishings was $24,000. 

It was dedicated in the early fall of 1902. 

The Clark Fund amounts to $20,000. 



THE NEW BRIDGE 

On petition of the Selectmen of the Town of York to 
the Legislature of Maine as follows : 
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in 

Legislature assembled: 

The undersigned Selectmen of the Town of York, hereby 
respectfully represent that public convenience and necessity 
require the laying out and constructing and maintenance of 
a highway across York River at York Harbor in said Town 
of York with a suitable bridge as a part thereof. Where- 
fore acting for and in behalf of said Town they pray that 
your honorable body may grant the passage of an Act au- 
thorizing the construction of said highway and bridge across 
tide waters aforesaid — 

And as in duty bound will ever pray. 

J. Perley Putnam, 
Harry H. Norton, 
Joseph P. Bragdon, 

Selectmen of York. 

That body authorized the County Commissioners of York 
County to lay out a way and bridge across York River to 
be built by the Town of York, as by Chapter 50 of the 
Private and Special Laws of the State 1905. 

A petition to the County Commissioners was entered in 
April, 1905. The County Commissioners of York County 
were authorized to lay out a highway and bridge. There- 
upon the following petition was entered as stated : 

To the County Commissioners of the County of York: 

The undersigned residents and taxpayers of the Town of 
York in said County of York hereby respectfully represent 
that public convenience and necessity require the laying out 



132 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

of a County way between some point in York Harbor on 
the County way leading from York Village through York 
Harbor to Norwood Farm to another point southwesterly 
over tide water to the County Way leading from Sewall's 
Bridge to Seabury R. R. Station to Kittery Point, and re- 
spectfully petition that you would fix the time for a hearing 
and that you would lay out a way between such points in 
said two County ways as shall be most convenient, said way 
to pass over Harris and Bragdon Islands, in York River. 

Seabury Wells Allen Charles H. Young 

John I. Banks Charles H. Junkins 

Charles F. Blaisdell Lowell S. Grant 

W. H. Hogarth George F. Plaisted 

Charles W. Plaisted Willis G. Moulton 

Charles Bragdon Arthur E. Bragdon 

George H. Simpson E. C. Cook 

and one hundred and fifty-four others. 
In answer to the petition the County Commissioners gave 
a hearing on the i8th day of May, 1905, and after a full 
hearing of all the facts, testimony and arguments by them 
presented * * * '<(Jq hereby adjudge and determine 
that common convenience and necessity do require the lay- 
ing out of said way as prayed for." * * * 

Given under our hands, this second day of January, A. D. 
1906. Samuel W. Junkins, 

Edwin A. Hobson, 
Lewis W. Pendexter, 
County Co}}iuiiss{o)icrs of York. 
And now it is considered and ordered by the Court of 
County Commissioners that all action on the original petition 
be, and the same is hereby closed and ordered recorded. 
Attest. 

Willis T. Emmons, Clerk. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I33 

A report was made by the Commissioners in January, 
1906, whereby the way and bridge was ordered and the 
Town given two years to begin and complete the construc- 
tion of the same. This action was the basis of the call for 
a Town Meeting held October 13th, 1906. the warrant con- 
taining an article ''To see if the Town will vote to build 
a highway and bridge across York River in said Town." 
Voted to build the way and bridge as set forth, "Yes" 174, 
"No" 123. Also as appears by the record of George F. 
Plaisted, Town Clerk, as unamended, a motion was made 
and carried "That the Town accept the bid of E. B. Blais- 
dell of York to construct said highway and bridge for the 
sum of thirty thousand dollars." By an order issued by 
George E. Bird, Esquire, a Justice of the Supreme Court of 
Maine, Feb. 15th, 19 10, the Town Clerk Avas commanded 
to amend the record of said town meeting so that it will 
read, "Voted, Not to accept the bid of E. B. Blaisdell for 
thirty thousand dollars." It would seem that a change in 
the record was deemed necessary from the fact that Mr. 
Blaisdell had completed the highway and bridge and had 
been obliged to bring suit for the sum of thirty-nine thou- 
sand five hundred dollars ($39,500), the contract sum he 
had agreed upon with the Town through a committee orig- 
inally as appointed October 13th, 1906, consisting of the 
Selectmen, Joseph P. Bragdon, Henry S. Bragdon, Harry 
H. Norton, and Charles H. Young, Joseph W. Simpson, 
Charles Weare, J. Perley Putnam, which committee organ- 
ized Oct. 13th, 1906, by the choice of Charles H. Young, 
Chairman, J. Perley Putnam, Secretary. Subsequently the 
three Selectmen withdrew from the committee and declined 
to take any further action toward the construction of the 
bridge. 



134 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

The contention of the Selectmen appeared to be that the 
committee of four were to act with the Selectmen ; that there 
was not a committee of seven. At a meeting of the Bridge 
Committee, so called, held Oct. 17th, Joseph P. Bragdon, 
H. H. Norton, Henry S. Bragdon, Charles H. Young, 
Charles E. Weare, Joseph W. Simpson and J. Perley Put- 
nam were present. After discussing the above matter it 
was voted to employ counsel. At a meeting held Oct. 22d 
by adjournment the 17th, in the absence of J. Perley Put- 
nam, J. W. Simpson was chosen Secretary pro tem. At 
this meeting the Selectmen withdrew from the committee, 
informing them that they would act no further with the 
balance of the committee. At a meeting of the committee 
Nov. 1 6th, an injunction was read which had been served 
on Mr. Young, restraining the committee from awarding 
the contract for the bridge : — 

Voted : "To employ Hon. John C. Stewart of York, and 
Hon. Enoch Foster of Portland as counsel." And from 
that day to this, injunctions, mandamus, Government hear- 
ings, suits at law, and special town meetings, accompanied 
the work as it progressed, and on its completion the com- 
mittee notified the Selectmen of York to that effect as fol- 
lows : — 

York, Me., May i6th, 1908. 
To the Selectmen of York: 

You are hereby notified that the new county way and 
bridge across York River, which was laid out and ordered 
built by the County Commissioners, and was voted by the 
Town of York, Oct. 13th, 1906, is completed in all respects 
and is open for public travel. 

The contractor has complied with all the specifications 
and requirements of his contract with the Inhabitants of 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I35 

York as appears by the certificate of the engineer in charge. 
The committee appointed by the Town, Oct. 13th, 1906, to 
build said way and bridge, has performed its duty, said 
bridge and way being open for public travel, its care and 
maintenance are for the Town and its proper officers. The 
total cost of said work is $49,765.63 as fully appears by 
certificates filed with the Town Treasurer. 

We respectfully call attention to the fact that provision 
must be made forthwith by the Town, relative to a draw- 
tender for said bridge. All appliances for hoisting the draw 
are in place, the same in good working order, and we are 
informed that there will be occasion to hoist for the pur- 
poses of navigation at an early day. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Charles H. Young, 
Charles E. Weare, 
Joseph W. Simpson, 
J. Perley Putnam, 

Committee. 
The increase in cost over contract price was brought 
about by changes ordered by the War Department and 
various expenses as follows : 

Edward B. Blaisdell, Contract $39,SOO 00 

E. B. Blaisdell, changes by War Dept 6,990 43 

Plans by E. B. Blaisdell 1,394 71 

A. W. Gowen, services as Engineer 545 35 

Edward C. Moody, supervising driving of 

piles 60 00 

John C. Stewart, legal services and ex- 
penses 57514 

Frank D. Marshall, legal services and ex- 
penses 455 93 

Symonds, Snow, Cook & Hutchinson, legal 

services and expenses 25 00 

J. Perley Putnam, expenses 73 52 



24 


50 


24 


30 


15 


00 


55 


45 


i6 8o 


9 


30 


$49765 63 



136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Charles H. Young, expenses 

Charles E. Weare, expenses 

Joseph W. Simpson, expenses 

Ellen M. Welch, typewriting 

Old York Transcript, advertising 

Chas. H. Young, Court expenses of G. F 
Plaisted 



In reply to the notification by the committee of the com- 
pletion of the bridge, the Selectmen wrote as follows : — 

York. Me.. May 20th, 1908. 
Messrs. Charles H. Yonng. Charles E. Weare, Joseph \V. 

Simpson, J. Perley Putnam, York, Maine. 
Gentlemen : — 

A communication bearing your signatures under date of 
May 1 6th, 1906, relative to an alleged way and bridge in 
this Town is before us, we beg to call your attention to a 
letter from us to you bearing date, March i8th, 1908, which 
explains our position and views touching the subject matter 
of your last letter. We do not understand that the Inhab- 
itants of the Town of York are liable for, or in any way 
interested in the alleged way and bridge referred to. 

Joseph P. Bragdon, 
Harry H. Norton, 
Henry S. Bragdon, 
Sclectm-en of the Tozvn of York. 
The following is a copy of the letter of March i8th re- 
ferred to in the letter of May 20th : 

York Village. March iSth, 1908. 
Messrs. Charles H. Young, Joseph W. Simpson, J. Perley 

Putnam, Chas. E. Weare. 

Your communication bearing date March nth, 1908, is 
before us, we do not recognize your right or authority to 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I37 

act in any way, relating to the way and bridge matter to 
which yon refer in yonr commnnication or tliat you are 
authorized to accept any way or bridge in tliis Town, for 
and in behalf of the Inhabitants of llie Town of York. We 
must decline in behalf of the Town of York to recognize 
any pretended acceptance of the same. We do not under- 
stand that the Inhabitants of the Town of York have ever 
entered into any valid contract for the construction of said 
pretended way and bridge, or that you had any authority to 
do any act or thing whereby the Town might become liable 
in this matter. We understand that no such way or bridge 
has been legally laid out or located or that the Town is liable 
in the matter in any way. If, as individuals you have under- 
taken to construct a private way and bridge the responsibility 
therefor, as we understand it, rests upon you individually. 
Yours very truly, 

J. P. Bragdon, 
Harry H. Norton, 
Henry S. Bragdon, 

Selectmen of York. 

The committee were without funds. Here it may be said 
that under the vote of the Town authorizing the Treasurer 
to hire money to meet pressing liabilities, John C. Stewart 
borrowed of the Bath Savings Bank $25,000 to build the 
bridge, on the 9th day of March, 1907. He turned the 
money over to the building committee consisting of seven. 
It was receipted for by four. The following demand was 
made on the committee : 

York, Maine, April 9, 1907. 
To Cliarles H. Young, J. Perley Putnam, Joseph W. Simpson 
and Charles E. Weare : 



138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

We the Selectmen of York find that the late Treasurer of 
the Town of York, John C. Stewart, without authority has 
placed in your possession a large sum of money belonging 
to the Town of York, amounting to the sum of twenty-five 
thousand and eighty-five dollars and sixty cents. We de- 
mand of you and each of you that you immediately pay said 
money, or cause the same to be paid to Edward E. E. 
Mitchell, Treasurer of the Town of York. 

Joseph P. Bragdon, 
Harry H. Norton, 
Henry S. Bragdon, 

Selectmen of York. 

As appears by the following, a majority of the committee 
paid over to E. E. E. Mitchell the amount demanded by the 
Selectmen : — 

York Village, Me., April 20th, 1907. 

Received of Charles H. Young, Joseph W. Simpson, J. 
Perley Putnam and Charles E. Weare, as a majority of the 
committee elected by the Town of York, Oct. 13th, 1906, 
to build a bridge across York River, the sum of twenty-five 
thousand eighty-five dollars and 60/roo, said money being 
the same received by said committee under date of March 
9th, 1907, from John C. Stewart, Treasurer of York, to be 
used in the construction of the bridge and approaches voted 
by said town Oct. 13th, 1906. as aforesaid. 

Edward E. E. Mitchell, Treasurer. 

From June 14th, 1907, to April 25th, 1908, the committee 
drew various orders on E. E. E. Mitchell, Treasurer of York, 
in favor of E. B. Blaisdeli, the contractor, and Angevine E. 
Gowen, the engineer in charge; the last being drawn April 
25th, 1908, in favor of Edward B. Blaisdeli for the sum 
of nine thousand two hundred ninety-eight dollars and nine 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 1 39 

cents ($9,298.09) in full for contract price of bridge and 
way as ordered by the County Commissioners across York 
River. None of which were paid by the Treasurer, he re- 
quiring the signatures of at least two of the Board of Select- 
men. Following is the rescript of the Supreme Court : 

Edward B. Blaisdell vs. Inhabitants of York. 

York County. 
Rescript, Cornish, J. 

This is an action of assumpsit brought by the plaintiff to 
recover the sum of $51,066.71, the amount alleged to be due 
him under two contracts, one dated December 5, 1906, and 
the other October 17, 1907, made with the defendant town 
for the construction of a way and bridge across York River 
between the towns of Kittery and York, as laid out by the 
County Commissioners. 

The petition to the County Commissioners described the 
proposed way as follows : "A county way between some 
point in York Harbor on the county way leading from York 
Village through York Harbor to Norwood Farm, to another 
point southwesterly over tide water to the county way lead- 
ing from Sewall's Bridge to Seabury R. R. Station to Kittery 
Point , . . Said way to pass over Harris Island and Brag- 
don's Island in York Harbor." 
Held: 

I. That the petition describing a way must, under R. S. 
Chap 25, Sec. i, describe it with reasonable definiteness in 
order to give the County Commissioners jurisdiction. The 
chief reason for this requirement is to give all parties over 
whose land the proposed way is to be laid, and all others 
whose interests may be affected thereby, such information 
through the public notice on the petition as will enable them 
to be present and be heard. 



I40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

2. That while under the language of this petition alone 
the termini might seem too vague and indefinite, as was 
determined in Bliss vs. Junkins, 165 Maine 128; yet, when 
applied to the geographical situation and to the location on 
the face of the earth as brought out in the evidence, the 
termini are proven to bet set out with such reasonable cer- 
tainty as to meet the fair intent and requirement of the 
statute. 

3. That while the distance between York Village and 
Norwood Farm, which marks the easterly base line, is more 
than one mile, and between Seabury Station and Kittery 
Point, which marks the westerly base line, is four or five 
miles ; yet only a short portion of either side could be utilized, 
as the way was to cross the two islands in a southwesterly 
direction. The islands served as on which the bridge and 
tiie way were to rest and from which the way was to pass, 
and any other persons whose interests could be affected by 
the location, must have been fully appraised of the proposed 
route, the test which must not be lost sight of in applying 
the legal rule. 

4. That the fact that Samuel W. Junkins. one of the 
County Commissioners, was at the time of the laying out 
of the way the owner of one-fourth undivided interest in 
Bragdon's Island, disqualified him from acting on the peti- 
tion. But as the board had jurisdiction of the subject mat- 
ter, subsequent proceedings cannot be attached collaterally. 
The action of the board was voidable but not void. Where 
jurisdiction is lacking, a collateral attack is permitted. Other- 
wise, the proceedings are binding unless quashed certiorari 
or set aside on appeal. Here the record shows jurisdiction 
in the board to commence proceedings, those proceedings 
stand unrestricted, and in this collateral action they must be 
regarded as binding and conclusive. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I4I 

5. That the special town meeting of October 13, 1906, 
was legally called and its doings valid. The original return 
of the constable recites that he posted attested copies of the 
warrant, "one at the Congregational Church in Brixham, 
one at the Town Hall and one at the Cape Neddick Post 
Office in said York" ; but he did not add that these were 
public and conspicuous places." 

There was no necessity of adding those words in this case. 
The places of posting being named, the Court can take judi- 
cial notice of the fact that those places are public and con- 
spicuous. 

6. That at that special meeting of October 13, 1906, after 
voting to build the bridge, the vote appointing "a committee 
of four to act in conjunction with the selectmen" should be 
construed to mean one committee of seven, composed of the 
three selectmen and the four others named; that two com- 
mittees were not created, one composed of the three select- 
men and the other of the four men named, these two com- 
mittees to act concurrently or not at all ; but a single com- 
mittee of seven. 

"In conjunction with" meant "in association with," "com- 
bined with," "united with." 

7. That it was the duty of the committee of seven to 
take the necessary steps to carry out the vote of the town 
in building the bridge. As the selectmen refused to act with 
the others, it was the duty of the remaining four, the major- 
ity, to proceed without the assistance of the minority, and 
their action was legal and binding upon the town. 

8. That the first contract of December 5, 1906, made 
by the plaintiff with the majority of this committee of seven 
in behalf of the town was valid; and the plaintiff was author- 
ized to proceed thereunder. The communications from the 



142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

selectmen to the other four members of the committee and 
to the contractor, protesting against the legahty of the con- 
tract and its performance, were unauthorized and futile, as 
the selectmen, as such, had no power in the matter. They 
possessed only such authority as was conferred upon them 
by the town when they were appointed members of the bridge 
committee, and that authority was to aid in the construction 
of the bridge. 

9. That the fact that the town made no appropriation for 
building the bridge at the meeting of October 13, 1906, does 
not affect the legality of the contract. If the contractor saw 
fit to proceed with the work, and rely upon future appro- 
priations or upon collecting his debt by others means, he had 
a legal right to do so. 

10. That the town never took any legal action rescind- 
ing the contract. At the annual meeting of March 11, 1907, 
all articles looking toward the making of another contract 
and appropriating money therefor were indefinitely post- 
poned. But these had to do with the future and not with 
the past. No vote was taken concerning the existing con- 
tract, and the plaintiff's rights thereunder remained un- 
changed. 

11. That the effect of the vote of the town at the annual 
meeting of March 11, 1907, dismissing from further service 
the committee of four previously appointed to act in con- 
junction with the selectmen was to reduce the bridge com- 
mittee from seven to three. The town had the right to 
revoke the authority previously conferred as it was a mere 
naked authority. But the three selectmen previously ap- 
pointed were not removed, and their powers continued if 
they saw fit to exercise them. The contract itself, however, 
was not affected by this vote, nor the plaintiff's rights there- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I43 

under. The fact that the selectmen continued their policy 
of non-participation was of no consequence. The work con- 
tinued without their supervision, under the eye of the en- 
gineer who was legally employed, was never discharged, and 
who finally accepted the work. 

12. That the duplicated contract of October 17, 1907, 
entered into because of certain changes and additions re- 
quired by the War Department, was void; because the four 
members who signed the contract in behalf of the town had 
previously been dismissed from action, and therefore had no 
authority to bind the town. 

The plaintiff was bound to ascertain and take notice of 
the power of the selectmen, and if the persons seeming to 
act had no authority, he cannot recover. Even the use of 
the bridge by the town would not bind it to pay for un- 
authorized work, although the same was beneficial. 

13. That while the original contract on which the de- 
fendants are liable was for $39,500, the plaintiff Avas relieved 
from performing certain work under it when the supple- 
mental contract was made, the cost of which was agreed to 
be $2,128.22, leaving a balance of $37,371.78. From this 
should be deducted $3,947.71, the amount received by the 
plaintifif from John C. Stewart as town treasurer. This 
leaves a balance of principal $33,427.07. The payments 
were due at certain specified times, and as demand was made 
therefor at the due dates, the plaintiff is entitled to interest 
for the default. 

Computing the interest on the various sums due under the 
first contract from their due dates to May 15, 1913, and 
disregarding entirely the amount of the second contract, 
gives $11,109.92 as interest. 

The entry should therefore be 

Judgment for plaintiff for $45,936.99 with interest from 
May 15, 1913. July i, 1913. 



PROPOSED DIVISION OF THE TOWN 

From time to time subsequent to 1884 the question of 
the division of the town of York was mooted, and in 1907 
an active movement was made looking to the estabhshment 
of a new town within that portion of York lying between 
the Atlantic Ocean on the southeast, the Post Road on the 
northwest, to the juncture of the road leading to G. W. 
Currier's, thence direct to Wells line, on the southwest by 
Preble's or Little River, on the northeast by town of Wells. 

A public meeting was held in x\lgonquin Hall Jan. 17th. 
It having been ascertained that "notice of any petition affect- 
ing the rights or interest of any town or county may be 
given to such town by serving it with a true copy of the 
petition at least fourteen days before the session," and being 
advised by the Assistant Attorney General to await the sit- 
ting of the next Legislature, no further action was taken. 

In 1908 due notice was served on the town that a bill 
would be introduced in the coming Legislature asking for 
the setting off of a part of the territory of York into a new 
town. And on the i6th of February, 1909, Hon. Benjamin 
F. Hamilton in the Senate introduced a Bill, An Act to 
divide the Town of York and establish the Town of York- 
town. The Bill entire is as follows : 

State of Maine. 
In the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and nine. 
An Act to divide the Town of York and establish the Town 

of Yorktown. 

Be it enacted by the People of Maine as follows : 

Section i. All that part of the town of York lying south- 
erly of the following described line, namely, beginning on 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I45 

the line dividing the towns of York and Wells at a point 
where Josias River crosses said line, thence running in a 
southwesterly direction in a straight line to the town line 
dividing the town of York from the town of Kittery at a 
point on the northwesterly side of the road leading from 
York Corner to Portsmouth. N. H., and commonly called 
and known as "the Post Road," together with the inhab- 
itants thereof, is hereby set off from the town of York, 
incorporated into a separate town by the name of Yorktown, 
and said town of Yorktown is hereby invested with all the 
powers and privileges, and subject to all the duties and 
obligations incident to other towns of the State. 

Section 2. The several inhabitants of the town of York- 
town shall be holden to pay all taxes which have been legally 
assessed upon them by the town of York, and the collectors 
of taxes for said town of York are hereby authorized and 
required to collect and pay all taxes to them all ready com- 
mitted according to their respective warrants. All money 
now in the treasury of said town of York, and all sums 
which shall hereafter be received from taxes heretofore 
assessed shall be applied to the several purposes for which 
they were raised, and in case of any excess said excess shall 
be apportioned to the towns of York and Yorktown in pro- 
portion to the valuation of the property and polls as made 
April, 1908, and the Treasurer of the town of York shall 
pay over to the Treasurer of the town of Yorktown such 
sums as are found to be due said town of Yorktown. The 
Commissioners of the County of York shall make the appor- 
tionment. 

Section 3. The existing liabilities and obligations of said 
town of York shall be drected as follows : — The town debt 
shall be borne by said towns in proportion to the valuation 



146 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

of their respective territories as of April, 1908. The obli- 
gations of the town of York shall be borne by each town in 
the foregoing proportion, except its contract with the York 
Shore Water Company, which shall be borne by each town 
in proportion to the number of hydrants used by each. All 
paupers now supported by the aid of the town of York shall, 
after division, be maintained and supported by the town in 
whose territory they resided when they became paupers in- 
cluding the paupers now supported on the town farm, and 
insane hospital. Each town shall henceforth bear all ex- 
penses for the care and maintenance of all roads and bridges 
within its respective limits. 

Section 4. The high school building and lot with all the 
equipment connected therewith shall be the property of the 
two towns jointly, said high school shall be maintained by 
the two towns in proportion to the valuation of the respect- 
ive towns, and all appropriations therefor shall be based 
upon the valuation taken by the assessors of the respective 
towns in April next preceding the town meetings at which 
an appropriation is made therefor. The management and 
control of said high school shall be with the Superintending 
School Committee of the two towns acting jointly. All 
trust funds now or hereafter held or given for the mainte- 
nance of the high school in the town of York shall be under 
the direction and control of said Superintending School 
Committee of the two towns acting jointly. 

Section 5. All the other property of the town of York, 
real and personal, shall be the property of the town in which 
it is now located. It shall be appraised by the Countj Com- 
missioners of York County and each town shall be charged 
with the appraisal thereof. The difference between the ap- 
praisal of the property taken by each town shall be paid by 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 14/ 

the town taking the larger amount and it shall be divided 
between the two towns in proportion to the valuation of 
their respective territories, taken by the Assessors in April, 
1908. The books and papers and records of the town of 
York shall be retained by the town of Yorktown and each 
town shall have access to the same. 

Section 6. Any justice of the peace or notary public of 
the County of York may issue his warrant to any legal voter 
of the town of Yorktown directing him to notify the inhab- 
itants thereof to meet at a time and place specified in said 
warrant, giving at least seven days' notice therefor, for the 
choice of town officers, and to transact such business as 
towns are authorized to do. 

This bill was referred to the Committee on Towns. 

Petitions for the division of the Town of York, by Henry 
C. Hussey and others, and W. H. Hogarth and 28 others, 
John F. Todd and 35 others, all of York, were presented in 
the Senate by Senator Hamilton. 

Remonstrances against division were presented in the 
House, signed by Joseph P. Bragdon and 65 others, Samuel 
F. Paul and 85 others, George M. Simpson and 58 others, 
William B. Card and 40 others, Jeremiah Mclntire and 78 
others, Bradford S. Woodward and 45 others, E. A. Welch 
and 9 others, all of York, and Francis A. Peters of Boston. 

In the House of Representatives Feb. 17 among other 
papers from the Senate was An Act to divide the town of 
York and establish the town of Yorktown, which had been 
referred to the Committee on Towns by that body. On 
motion of Mr. Chase of York it was tabled for printing 
pending concurrence in matter of reference. In the House 
Feb. 23d, on motion of Mr. Chase of York, An Act to divide 
the town of York and establish the town of Yorktown was 



148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

taken from the table, and on further motion by Mr. Chase 
it was referred to the Committee on Towns in concurrence 
with the action of the Senate Feb. i6th. 

Notice of a pubHc hearing on the question was ordered 
by the Committee on Towns, Hon. Patrick Therriault, Chair- 
man, and the same was held in the Senate Chamber, Thurs- 
day, March nth, 1909. The session of the committee lasted 
until ten o'clock P. M. There were two score people in 
attendance for and against it from York. The petitioners 
were represented by Hon. J. C. Stewart, Hon. B. F. Cleaves, 
and Hon. Oscar E. Fellows, while Hon. James O. Bradbury 
and George F. Haley, Esq.. (now supreme judge), appeared 
for the remonstrants. Some twenty witnesses testified. Dr. 
Stewart opened for the proponents, practically telling the 
story of the petitioners, closing by saying that from the 
causes named property is decreasing in value. He also 
stated that while the new bridge had further accentuated the 
trouble, it did not produce the division sentiment. Hon. 
Joseph W. Simpson said that the division was a matter of 
life or death to the town. Property had depreciated, and 
he declared that he could almost guarantee a million-dollar 
increase in the new town in twenty years. He also said that 
the inception of the movement for division was by an anti- 
bridge man ; Mr. William H. Hogarth. H. T. Nichols of 
New York, testified to the need of good roads and electric 
street lights, not obtainable under present town arrangement. 

Dr. S. W. Allen of Boston corroborated what had been 
said regarding the lack of public spirit, and Frank H. Ellis' 
testimony was on the same lines. Edward S. Marshall also 
testified. 

Samuel W. Junkins, Esq., was the first witness against 
division. He stated that a large majority of the inhabitants 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 149 

of the town of York and the proposed town were opposed 
to division, and he acknowledged that value had fallen off. 

Joseph P. Bragdon as the star witness followed. In reply 
to questions by Mr. Bradbury he said he was chairman of 
the Board of Selectmen. He said the map offered by the 
proponents was a copy of one more than forty years old. 
He refreshed his memory from notes and said if the town 
was divided in accordance with the provisions of the bill, 
"Yorktown" would have a valuation of $2,071,702, and forty 
miles of road to maintain, and "York" a valuation of $321,- 
686, and one hundred miles of road. He said that three- 
quarters of the people in the proposed new town were op- 
posed to division, and that there never existed any feeling 
of antagonism against the lower section on the part of the 
upper section or vice versa. He also read a resolution 
adopted at a town meeting protesting against the division. 

Henry S. Bragdon, also a member of the Board of Select- 
men, gave similar evidence as the Chairman's. Selectman 
Harry H. Norton agreed with the testimony of his col- 
leagues, however, adding that most of the quarreling came 
from residents of the lower part of the town. J. Arthur 
Parsons agreed that the general sentiment of the town above 
and below the "dead line" is against division. He also said 
there was no ill feeling between the upper and lower portions, 
and that the quarreling is all done in the lower part of the 
town. Charles L. Grant, Bradford S. Woodward, Arthur 
E. Bragdon, J. Howard Junkins, A. C. Farwell, Samuel F. 
Paul, John E. Barrell, C. A. Goodale, also testified in oppo- 
sition. Among other York people present were E. B. Blais- 
dell, C. H. Young, S. A. Preble, W. S. Putnam, H. D. Phil- 
brick, R. F. Talpey, W. H. Hogarth, Will C. Hildreth, Mal- 
colm Mclntire, E. H. Banks. The summing up of the case 



150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

for the remonstrants was by Hon. James O. Bradbury, and 
Hon. Oscar E. Fellows closed for the proponents, and the 
chairman declared the hearing closed, and adjournment was 
made. 

In the Senate under "Reports of Committees" March i8th, 
a majority report for the Committee on Towns, on Bill "An 
Act to divide the town of York and establish the town of 
Yorktown," that same ought not to pass. (Signed) Col- 
cord, Kellogg, Merrill, Hamlin, Bearce, Varney. Donnell. 

A minority report from the same committee submitting 
same in new draft under same title. (Signed) Therriault. 
The foregoing reports were read, and on motion by Mr. 
Therriault of Aroostook, pending acceptance of either were 
tabled and ordered to be printed. 

In the Senate March 23d — On motion by Mr. Therriault 
of Aroostook, Senate Document No. 445, "An Act to divide 
the town of York and establish the town of Yorktown," 
was taken from the table, and the Senator further moved 
that the minority report be accepted. Thereupon Senator 
Kellogg of Penobscot obtained the floor and spoke in opix> 
sition to the acceptance of the minority report. In part he 
said : "Now at the hearing the petitioners had for witnesses, 
J. C. Stewart, E. S. Marshall, J. W. Simpson, and one or 
two others, resident property owners. They also had two 
non-resident property owners. The claim of the resident 
property owners why they should have a division was that 
the seashore section could not get sufficient appropriations 
for improvements. One of the non-residents favored the 
division because he could not have trees set out alongside 
the road and sidewalks built to the golf links; the other 
could not tell why he wanted the town divided. I presume 
he had not been told what to say by the petitioners. How- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I5I 

ever, he thought that the town should be divided. Now, 
the Opponents to the division had for witnesses the Chair- 
man of the County Commissioners, three Selectmen, two of 
whom live with the County Commissioner below the dividing 
line. They also had eight or ten other witnesses, all of 
whom are business men and who are interested in the wel- 
fare of the town. All but two of these live south of the 
line by which it is proposed to divide the town of York. 
There was a remonstrance against the proposed division 
signed by 382 persons, two-thirds of which live south of 
the line. * * * j hope, gentlemen, that you will sustain 
the report of the majority of the committee." 

Senator Hamilton for the minority report said in part : 
"I was opposed to the first bill which the committee heard. 
I was opposed to the division line which was first introduced 
here in the Senate and referred to their committee. Since 
then an amendment, as you will see by looking at your 
record, has been made which wonderfully changes it ; and 
I will call each of the Senators' attention to the new draft 
which wonderfully changes it. * * * 

"Minority Report. 

"An Act to divide the town of York and establish the town 
of Yorktown. 

"Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows : 

"All that part of the town of York lying southerly of the 
following described line, namely: Beginning at northerly 
line of the Portland Road, so called, at the Kittery line, 
thence by said northerly line of said Portland Road to the 
thread of Cape Neddick River; thence southeasterly by said 
thread of Cape Neddick River to the Atlantic Ocean ; thence 



152 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

by said shore line of the town of York to the boundary Hne 
between the town of said York and Kittery ; thence north- 
westerly by said Kittery line, together with the inhabitants 
thereof is hereby set off from the town of York, incorpo- 
rated into a separate town of 'Gorges,' and said town of 
Gorges is hereby invested with all the powers and privileges 
and subject to all the duties and obligations incident to other 
towns of the state, said town of Gorges is to assume and 
pay for the new bridge, so called, across York River at York 
Harbor, so that said town of York shall have no further 
concern or expense concerning said bridge. (Sections 2-3- 
4-5-6 remain as originally reported with exception of the 
substitution of the name 'Gorges' wherever that of York- 
town appears.) Now if you divide this town as it is indi- 
cated in the new draft, those people who live next the sea- 
shore in those summer residences will certainly boom that 
town, and you will find it one of the most elegant places to 
live in in the state. We welcome them there to invest their 
money * * * and that is why every Senator from York 
County is interested that they should have it where they can 
go ahead and not be handicapped. The men that come 
there and bring their money to build these homes care not 
how much tax they pay if they can have their homes beauti- 
fied and made pleasant. * * * 

"In reference to the bridge matter, I want to say, there 
are many law suits upon that bridge, and it is costing some- 
body a good deal of money and the town will have to pay 
it in the end in my judgment." 

The question being put on the motion by Mr. Therriault 
of Aroostook that the minority report be substituted for the 
majority report, the yeas and nays were called for and or- 
dered, and the vote being had, resulted as follows : Those 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 1 53 

voting yea were Morey, Baxter, Boynton, Eaton, Emery, 
Gowell, Hamilton, Hastings, Irving, Knowlton, Looney, 
Lowe, Macomber, Milliken, Minott, Mnllen, Osgood, Rey- 
nolds, Shaw, Smith, Staples, Therriaiilt, Warren, Wheeler, 
Wyman (24). Those voting nay, Donigan, Hill, Howes, 
Kellogg, Walker (5). So the motion prevailed, the bill 
took its several readings and pending its second reading was 
amended by adoption of Senate Amendment *'A." There- 
fore, the bill took its second reading and was passed to be 
engrossed. 

March 24th, in the House, under first reading of Senate 
bills majority and minority reports of the Committee on 
Towns to which was referred An Act to divide the town 
of York and establish the town of Yorktown, the majority 
reporting "ought not to pass" and the minority reporting 
"ought to pass," came from the Senate. On motion of Mr. 
Chase of York, pending action on either report they were 
tabled together with the bill, and specially assigned for to- 
day (March 24). Under this assignment Mr. Chase of 
York moved that the House non-concur with the Senate in 
adopting the minority report. Mr. Marshall of Portland 
said : "Mr. Speaker, just a word. I hope the House will 
concur with the Senate in the adoption of the minority report, 
and that the motion of the gentleman from York will not 
prevail. I know the local conditions there, and I thoroughly 
and honestly believe that the welfare of both communities 
and the welfare of the County of York will be promoted as 
the Senate has determined." 

Mr. Chase of York obtained the floor and in extended 
and able remarks favored the non-concurrence of the House. 
He presented an array of statistics favorable to his conten- 
tion, and said : "Now I will say a word in relation to the 



154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

subject of dispute between the different parts of the town. 
I was born in the town of York and have Hved there a large 
part of the time, and these disputes they tell about are some- 
thing new to me — that I never heard of myself — * * * 
A large majority of these remonstrants live within this last 
arranged district. A majority of the 382 I say live in that 
section. They don't want this thing. The people are almost 
up in arms about it. I ought to know something about that 
town. I cannot imagine why the gentleman from Portland 
(Mr. Marshall) should be so persistent in looking out for 
York when he lives in Portland. I don't know — yes, I do 
know who is pushing him. That makes no difference. I 
am the sole representative of the town of York in this Legis- 
lature. * * * I think so far as the citizens are con- 
cerned nine-tenths of the voters representing nine-tenths of 
the property are absolutely and utterly opposed to this whole 
thing." 

The question being on the motion to non-concur with the 
Senate, Mr. Chase of York called for the yeas and nays, 
which was agreed to. The result of the vote was yeas 35, 
nays 93, not voting 22. So the motion to non-concur was 
lost. Thereupon Mr. Smith of Berwick moved that the 
House concur with the Senate in accepting the minority 
report. He also moved that the rules be suspended, and 
that the bill take its several readings at the present time, and 
pass to be engrossed. The bill then received its first and 
second readings. 

On motion of Mr. Smith, Senate Amendment A was adopt- 
ed in concurrence. 

Mr. Chase of York offered House Amendment A by add- 
ing the following: "Provided, however, that this act shall 
not take effect until it has first been accepted by a majority 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 1 55 

of the legal voters of said town of York at a town meeting 
of said town of York legally warned and holden for that 
purpose at the town house in said town * * * then this 
act shall be void." 

Mr. Marshall of Portland said : "I had supposed that the 
division of the town was for the purpose of allowing a cer- 
tain portion thereof around the seashore to go ahead and 
prosper and develop itself along its own lines. * * * j^ 
seems to me this defeats the whole proposition." 

Mr. Chase — "I call the attention of this House to the fact 
that one of the witnesses, Mr. Edward S. Marshall, the man 
who has put up this whole job, the father of the gentleman 
from Portland, admitted before the committee in my hear- 
ing and in the hearing of the committee that a majority of 
the voters in the whole town were in the lower part which 
they want set off. * * * Now, I want to know in all 
fairness, in the name of decency, what those people of York 
have done that this thing shall be placed upon them, and 
why a majority of the voters should not have the privilege 
of deciding whether their town shall be torn in pieces or not. 
I want to know if there is one particle of decency and fair- 
ness or honor among the men of the House. I call for the 
years and nays." The motion was agreed to and the roll 
called resulted in yeas 56, nays 75, so the motion was lost. 

Mr. Allen of Jonesboro moved that the subject matter be 
referred to the next Legislature, and also moved that the 
vote be taken by calling for the yeas and nays, which was 
done; resulting in 59 yeas and yj nays, so the motion of 
Mr. Allen was lost. Thereupon Mr. Chase of York offered 
Amendment "B." providing that the act should not take 
effect until it had been accepted by a majority of the voters 
within the limits of the proposed town of Gorges. 



156 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Mr. Marshall moved that the amendment lie upon the 
table and the motion was lost. 

Mr. Pattangall of Waterville — "Mr. Speaker, I arise for 
the purpose of moving the previous question. In my opin- 
ion the amendment offered by the gentleman from York is 
so harmless and so eminently fair that even the lobby ought 
not to be consulted in regard to it." 

The question being on the adoption of House Amendment 
"B," the yeas and nays were, yeas 99, nays 33, so the amend- 
ment was adopted, and the bill was assigned to March 25th 
for its third reading. 

In the House March 25th, Mr. Peters of Ellsworth moved 
to reconsider the vote of the 24th whereby Amendment "B" 
was adopted. 

Mr. Burleigh of Augusta offered a substitute amendment, 
"Provided, however, that this act shall not take eft'ect unless 
a majority of the tax-payers who were assessed a tax for 
the year 1909 upon a poll or property within the limits of 
the proposed town of Gorges vote to accept this act at a legal 
meeting of said tax-payers.'' 

Mr. Pattangall of Waterville: "I would like to inquire 
of the gentleman from Augusta if under that amendment 
the women of Gorges would vote on this question." 

Mr. Burleigh: "I understand they could; and I see no 
reason why they should not." 

Mr. Pattangall : "/Vny woman living in New York and 
owning property in the proposed town is allowed to vote." 

Mr. Burleigh: "Yes." 

Mr. Pattangall : "Then the object of the amendment is 
to confer limited woman suffrage." (Laughter.) 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 157 

The question coming on the motion of Mr. Peters to 
reconsider the vote whereby House Amendment "B" was 
adopted, the motion was lost — 64 in favor and 69 opposed. 
The bill then received its third reading. 

Mr. Smith of Berwick offered Amendment "C," which 
was adopted. 

In the Senate, March 26th, papers from the House were 
disposed of in concurrence, among which was An Act to 
divide the town of York and establish the town of Yorktown. 
By the House the bill passed to be engrossed as amended 
by Amendments B and C. 

On motion of Mr. Hamilton the bill with amendments was 
laid upon the table. 

In the Senate, March 30th, on motion of Mr. Hamilton, 
the bill "An Act dividing the town of York" was taken from 
the table, and on motion of the same Senator the Senate 
voted to non-concur in the adoption of Amendment "B," 
and on further motion the bill was passed to be engrossed. 

In the House, March 31st, the bill "An x\ct to divide the 
town of York" came back from the Senate with House 
Amendment "B" rejected. 

Mr. Additon of Leeds moved that the House recede and 
concur. Mr. Chase of York moved that the bill lie upon 
the table until "Orders of the day" was reached. The mo- 
tion to lay upon the table was lost, 49 in favor and 62 nega- 
tive. Thereupon Mr. Allen of Jonesboro addressed the 
House. He was followed by Mr. Moore of Saco and Mr. 
Bearce of Eddington. Mr. Marshall of Portland, in reply 
to Mr. Moore said: "I think I know the town of York as 
well as the gentleman from Saco. I know it from its moun- 
tain to its rugged coast. I know it all. I know better than 
the gentleman from Jonesboro. I have lived there, and I 



158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

know the conditions. I know that there have been citizens 
of York here this winter asking and demanding that the 
town should be divided. They are interested. Their prop- 
erty is at stake. The gentleman from Saco speaks about tax- 
ing Chinese, Japanese, and that sort of people. I want to 
ask him whether he will give vote to a man like Francis 
Lynde Stetson, and a man like Thomas Nelson Page. I 
have here a letter from Mr. Stetson, the letter is dated Jan- 
uary I2th, 1909, and is as follows: 

" 'Edward S. Marshall, Esquire, 

'' 'York Harbor. Maine. 
"'My Dear Sir: 

" 'I would state that since my erection of a house at York 
Harbor my judgment has been that it would be for the best 
interests of all parts of the town of York if the interior could 
be separated from the shore district, enabling each part to 
conduct its affairs according to local preference of each for 
the provision and expenditure of money for the public needs. 
I say this not for the benefit of the residents of York Harbor 
only, but for those of the western part of the town as well; 
for I believe there would result not only the avoidance of 
friction, but a better use of the public funds and the public 
opportunities of this attractive locality. For these reasons, 
as well as others, I am heartily in sympathy with the move- 
ment to divide the town of York, so that the interior part 
may be separate from the shore district. 
" 'Faithfully yours, 

" 'Francis L. Stetson.' 

"And, Mr. Speaker, it is for 135 of the real estate owners 
and tax-payers there that I speak. Men who represent three- 
quarters of the valuation of that town, who come here and 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I59 

ask to be divided, and who are on the petition asking- for 
division. It is for those people that I speak, those men who 
have made the town of York what it is today. Those men 
who have seen it grow from a httle hamlet, a little fishing 
village, to one of the best and most popular resorts upon the 
coast of Maine." 

Mr. Chase of York : "Mr. Speaker, the only thing I have 
asked for is that this amendment be retained in the bill — 
* * * that is all we ask, and it is a right which we 
demand of the House. * * * j positively deny that 
there has been any sectional feeling in that town. There 
are always certain differences where you find people of pos- 
itive views, but there is no essential difference. Now, Mr. 
Speaker, I want to call attention to a few letters which I 
have here, and I will beg the pardon of the House if I over- 
step my time, but I want to call attention to a few out of 
ninety (90) or more letters I have here from citizens within 
the limits of the proposed town. 

" 'York Harbor. Maine, March 28, 1909. 
" 'Josiah Chase, Esq., House of Rep.. 
" 'Augusta, Maine. 
" 'My Dear Mr. Chase : — Being the oldest citizen of York 
Harbor, so called, and one of the largest tax-payers, I most 
emphatically protest against this unjust division of the town 
of York. * * * Oppose this unfair proposition and you 
will always have the good will of the citizens of the old town 
of York. 

" 'Very truly yours, 

" 'Elias Baker.' 

"Mr. John E. Norwood under same date wrote as follows: 
" 'My dear Mr. Chase : — As one of the older citizens of 



l6o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

this town and one of the largest tax-payers at York Harbor, 
I wish to offer my most emphatic protest to any division of 
the town of York. Having taken all active part in the 
summer business here at the Harbor from its very beginning, 
I feel that I am able to form a fairly correct opinion in this 
matter. I have endeavored to give it most careful consid- 
eration from various points of view. My conclusion is that 
the proposed division would not only be a gross injustice to 
a large number of our citizens, but would result in causing 
serious damage to the progress of the summer business here. 
" 'Yours respectfully, 

" 'John E. Norwood.' " 

Continuing, Mr. Chase said, "I hope the motion of the 
gentleman from Leeds will not prevail." 

On a yea and nay vote the motion to recede and concur 
was carried by 69 yeas as against 58 nays. 

In the Senate, April i, passed to be enacted a bill to divide 
the town of York and establish the town of Gorges. And 
on same day the bill was passed to be enacted in the House. 

The Act passed by the Legislature establishing the town 
of Gorges was signed by the Governor. Thereupon the 
opponents of the division proceeded to avail themselves of 
the provisions of the referendum. At the ovation given Mr. 
Chase on the evening of April 8th, 1909, at the Town Hall, 
in his remarks he said in part : "The only thing left now 
is the referendum. The people of the state have changed 
their constitution, you know, so that it is now in the hands 
of the people to determine whether the people of York shall 
have the town divided against their will or not. That is 
our only remedy. I hope the town will fight and l:)eat them 
by the use of the referendum." 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK l6l 

Subsequently, the York Referendum Association was 
formed as follows : 

Executive Committee — Joseph P. Bragdon, Henry S. 
Bragdon, Harry H. Norton, J. Arthur Parsons, George B. 
Main, Charles P. Dustin, Charles E. Noble, Josiah N. Nor- 
ton, E. E. E. Mitchell, A. C. Farwell, Fred H. Bowden, 
Edward S. Thompson, G. A. Donnell, W. L. Grant, George 
F. Plaisted. J. E. Barrell, George E. Blaisdell, Malcolm 
Mclntire. Josiah Chase, F. Raymond Brewster, Fremont 
Varrell, Charles L. Grant, A. A. Odiorne, E. C. Hawkes, 
Joseph C. Bridges, Arthur E. Bragdon, Bradford S. Wood- 
ward, C. L. Bowden. 

James S. Brewster was made Chairman, and George F. 
Plaisted, Secretar}^ 

A Finance and Petition and Printing Committee were 
chosen, with Bradford S. Woodward and Joseph P. Bragdon, 
Chairmen. A statement of facts was formulated and printed 
and the work of procuring 10,000 signatures begun. That 
number was obtained, but the validity of some of the peti- 
tions was questioned and on request of Edward S. Marshall 
and eleven others the Governor gave a hearing Aug. 23d at 
which Mr. Marshall, John C. Stewart, Charles F. Blaisdell, 
Josiah Chase, Henry S. Bragdon and Charles L. Grant, all 
of York, were present. 

At the biennial election held Sept. 12th, 1910, on the ques- 
tion submitted to the people as to whether the Act of the 
Legislature of 1909 establishing the town of Gorges should 
become a law, the total vote was 51,414; in favor of the 
Act, 19,692; opposed to the Act, 31,722. 

The vote in the town of York was 90 in favor, 436 opposed. 

The following is a copy of the paper sent out with the 
blanks for signatures for the referendum : 



1 62 history of the town of york 

Statement of Facts Relating to the Proposed Division 
OF THE Town of York. 

The town of York has a population of about 2800, with 
760 polls, and a valuation (according to the State Assessors) 
of $2,745,400, It is the oldest town in the State; having 
celebrated in 1902 the 250th anniversary of its incorporation 
as a town. 

The act to divide the town of York was introduced in the 
Senate on the i6th day of February, the day then set as the 
last day when such matters could be introduced except by 
suspension of the rules. 

Up to that time the people of York generally, knew noth- 
ing about the matter except by mere rumor. The represent- 
ative from York had never seen the bill and knew nothing 
of it, except by rumor, until it came into the House of Rep- 
resentatives and was laid on the table for printing, pending 
its reference to a committee. It appeared then as "Act to 
divide the town of York and establish the town of York- 
town." 

It was referred to the Committee on Towns. The com- 
mittee held a long and exhaustive hearing on the matter on 
the nth day of March. At that hearing petitions were 
presented in favor of the act signed by 57 voters of the town, 
and remonstrances against the act signed by 382 voters of 
the town. A large number of the prominent citizens of the 
town appeared before the committee against the act, includ- 
ing the principal town officers, and the Chairman of the 
Board of County Commissioners. 

As a result of that hearing seven of the committee voted 
"ought not to pass." One member of the committee re- 
served the right to make a minority report. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 163 

One week after tlie hearing he brought into the Senate, 
as a minority report, a new act on entirely different hnes 
and with new conditions, much more offensive and humiH- 
ating to the people of York than the first bill. This new 
draft was entitled **An Act to divide the town of York and 
establish the town of Gorges." The other members were 
not consulted about this new act and the people of York 
were never given any hearing in regard to it. 

This act gives to the proposed town of "Gorges" about 
two-thirds of the population of the town of York, two-thirds 
of its valuation and about 30 miles of its roads; leaving to 
the town of York about one-third of its population, one- 
third of its valuation and 1 10 miles of roads. It provides 
that the York high school building situated within the pro- 
posed new town, together with its trust fund, shall be owned 
jointly by both towns. It takes away from the town of 
York both of its grammar schools, three of the primary 
schools, the poor farm with its large new steam-heated build- 
ings, the town house, the ancient jail museum, and all the 
ancient and current records of York up to the date of the 
proposed separation. 

This act was substituted for the majority report in the 
Senate, and under suspension of the rules, it was passed to 
be engrossed. In the House of Representatives the repre- 
sentative from York offered an amendment submitting the 
act to the voters of York for acceptance. This was rejected. 
He then secured the adoption of an amendment submitting 
it to the voters in the proposed new town for acceptance. 
The Senate rejected this amendment, and the House subse- 
quently concurred with the Senate by a majority of nine 
votes, and in this form it was passed to be enacted, thus 
denying to the people the right to determine for themselves 



164 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

by their ballots what is to them a most important question. 
Nine out of every ten of the people of York and also of 
the proposed town of Gorges are bitterly opposed to this act. 
Out of a total of 441 voters in the proposed town, 382 are 
known to be opposed to it. 
Shall the majority rule? 

Respectfully submitted, 
By Executive Committee of York Referendum 
Association. 



COMMEMORATION OF THE TWO HUNDRED 
AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 

In 1902 occurred the two hundred and fiftieth anniver- 
sary of the birth of the town of York. At the annual town 
meeting held in March of that year it was voted to com- 
memorate the event. An appropriation of money was made, 
and a committee of sixteen were appointed to carry out the 
vote of the town as follows : J. Perley Putnam, Joseph P. 
Bragdon, Harry H. Norton, Malcolm Mclntire, Henry 
Plaisted, William T. Keene, Samuel T. Blaisdell, William 
O. Barrell, Josiah N. Norton, Charles H. Junkins, George 
F. Plaisted, J. Howard Preble, George E. Marshall, Joseph 
W. Simpson, Daniel Weare, John F. Plaisted. The York 
Historical and Improvement Society joined with the town 
and added Walter M. Smith, Hon. Edward O. Emerson, 
Rev. Frank Sewall, D. D., to the committee and also voted 
five hundred dollars in aid of the affair. The chairman of 
the Board of Selectmen, J. Perley Putnam, was made chair- 
man of the executive committee; George F. Plaisted, gen- 
eral secretary; Wilson M. Walker, treasurer; Walter M. 
Smith was elected president of the day; J. Perley Putnam, 
marshal of the historical parade. The committee on pro- 
gram and invitations — Rev. Frank Sewall, D. D., Hon. Ed- 
ward O. Emerson. Walter M. Smith. 

Special committees : 

Committee on Historical Parade — Frank D. Marshall, 
LL. B., Mrs. James T. Davidson, Mrs. F. Doubleday, Mrs. 
Hungerford, Miss Mary Louise Smith, Miss Theodosia 
Barrell, Miss Katherine E. Marshall, Miss Ruth Putnam, 
Miss Florence Paul, Miss Elizabeth Perkins, Mrs. George 



l66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

L. Cheney, Miss Rachel K. Sewall, Miss Constance Emer- 
son, Miss Eh'zabeth T. Sewall, Miss Ellen M. Dennett. 

On Music — George F. Plaisted. 

On Water Carnival — Freeman Sewall, Arthur E. Sewall, 
Burleigh Davidson, and Russell Cheney, 

On Fireworks — Walter M. Smith. 

On Entertainment — Joseph P. Bragdon, W. T. Keene, 
Hon. John C. Stewart, Wilson M. Walker, N. H. Shattuck, 
Samuel A. Preble, Hon. E. O. Emerson, Frank D. Marshall. 

Press Committee — George F. Plaisted, Edwin D. Twom- 
bley, William J. Neal. 

On Tuesday, August 5th, at sunrise, a salute of fifty 
guns was fired from the Palo Alto gun under direction of 
Edward C. Moody on Paul's Hill, and the church bells were 
rung. 

The parade formed at York Beach and moved along Long 
Beach to the Harbor, thence to the Village and York Corner, 
and returned to the Village for the commemoration exer- 
cises. 

J. Perley Putnam was marshal, with aids, W. J. Simpson, 
W. T. Keene, A. M. Bragdon, Frank H. Ellis, Joseph P. 
Bragdon, Fred G. Winn. The Marine Band of the Navy 
Yard at Kittery and a detachment of U. S. Marines, twelve 
tableaux on floats illustrating incidents and characters in 
the history of York from 1614 to 1816, the Kearsarge Fife 
and Drum Corps, a floral parade, and the attendants of the 
public schools. 

The commemorative exercises were held on the Common 
in rear of the Town Hall. A platform was erected against 
the building, on this were assembled, the president, secretary, 
and visiting members of the Maine Historical Society; Jus- 
tice McKenna of the Supreme Court of the United States; 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 167 

Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, Woodbury Langdon of New 
York, Francis Lynde Stetson, Esq., Dr. J. B. Ayer, Bos- 
ton; Hon. Edward S. Marshall, York; Jeremiah Mclntire, 
York; John J. Loud, Weymouth, Mass.; J. Windsor Brath- 
waithe, Esq., Kennebunkport ; A. G. Cummock, Esq., Lowell, 
Mass. ; Hon. Thomas B. Reed, New York ; William Dean 
Howells, New York; Thomas Nelson Page, Washington, 
D. C. ; Samuel L. Clemens, New York ; W. J. Tucker, Pres- 
ident Dartmouth College ; ex-Gov. Frank W. Rollins of New 
Hampshire; Charles Eustis Hubbard, Boston; Hon. Augus- 
tus F. Moulton, Portland, and others. Letters of appreci- 
ation and regretting inability to attend were received from 
the President, Hon. William H. Moody, Secretary of the 
Navy, the Governors of Maine and Massachusetts, Hon. 
Eugene Hale and William P. Frye, U. S. Senators from 
Maine; Thomas DeWitt Hyde, President of Bowdoin Col- 
lege; Hon. James O. Bradbury of Saco; Capt. John Den- 
nett, U. S. R. service; Charles Ray Palmer, LL. D., New 
Haven, Conn.; Charles F. Adams, Boston; John Fogg, Esq., 
New York; William Bruce King, Esq., Washington, D. C. ; 
James D. Smith, Esq., New York; ex-Governor Henry B. 
Cleaves, Portland; Major General Augustus B. Farnham, 
Adjutant General of Maine. 

At 2.30 P. M., Hon. Edward C. Moody addressed the 
assembled thousands as follows : 
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Citizens : — 

"In the warrant calling the annual town meeting of York, 
held March 13th, this present year, an article appeared on 
the petition of six men — Wilson M. Walker, Albert M. 
Bragdon, A. H. Bowden, W. T. Keene, E. F. Hobson and 
one other — 'To see if the town would vote to commemorate 
its 250th anniversary.' It so voted. The York Historical 



l68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Society joined hands with the town, the booming- of cannon, 
the ringing of bells, the strains of martial music, the elabo- 
rate decorations, the passing of the splendid parade through 
our streets, all speak thus far in memory of the olden days. 
And now we shall be told of those who founded, and fos- 
tered this ancient borough. 

"What was his name? I do not know his name, 
I only know he heard God's voice and came, 
Brought all he loved across the sea, 
To live and work for God — and me; 
Felled the ungracious oak; 

With rugged toil 

Dragged from the soil 
The thrice gnarled roots and stubborn rock; 
With plenty filled the haggard mountain side; 
And when his work was done without memorial died. 
No blaring trumpet sounded out his fame; 
He lived, he died — I do not know his name. 
No form of bronze and no memorial stones 
Show me the place where lie his mouldering bones: 
Only a cheerful village stands, 
Built by his hardened hands; 
Only one thousand homes, 

Where every day 

The cheerful play 
Of love and hope and courage comes; 
These are his monuments, and these alone. 
There is no form of bronze; and no memorial stone. 

"My friends, I am not here to weary you. It is a public 
honor, my personal pleasure, to present to you the President 
of the York Historical Society as the President of the Day, 
Mr. Walter M. Smith." 

President Smith's Remarks 

"Mr. Moody, Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

"For the distinguished honor of presiding over this assem- 
blage I am indebted, sir, to your committee. I thank you for 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 169 

your kindly ititroductioii. In making my grateful acknowl- 
edgment of your courtesy, I desire to voice the sentiment 
of your committee and your fellow townsmen in according 
to you, sir, the inception of the movement which has cul- 
minated in this tribute to Old York." 

The invocation followed by Rev. David B. Sewall. a 
former pastor of the First Parish. Rev. S. C. Abbott of 
the Methodist Church then read the CXV of the Psalms, 
which was followed by the singing of Dr. Watts' Commem- 
oration Hymn — "Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds." 
A letter was then read from the President of the United 
States. 

The President then introduced the Hon. John C. Stewart, 
who delivered an eloquent address of welcome, and said in 
part : "To extend to you the welcome of the citizens of 
York is especially pleasing because of the presence of so 
many of our non-citizen residents, whom we, as a body of 
citizens, for the first time meet in common assemblage. For 
many years you have been coming and going, seeing and 
meeting us as we have seen and met you, without becoming 
really acquainted with each other. You will I know pardon 
me if I take some of my time in telling you who we are and 
what we think of you. * * * And today for the citi- 
zens of York, I extend to you our most cordial and hearty 
welcome. You have improved our homes, built our school- 
houses, repaired our churches, given us roads equal to any 
in the country towns of our state, brought the markets of 
the world to our doors, established libraries for our use, and 
seem constantly planning for our welfare. We appreciate 
all these things. Whatever prejudice there may have been 
in the past is gone. You have been our friends, we are 
yours. And now to the worthy sons of a proud ancestry 



170 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

who have gone out into other parts, and who have come 
home today to participate in these festivities, we say 'Wel- 
come.' * * * \Yg welcome you today to the home of 
your ancestors. To the strangers who are with us we give 
a most hearty welcome. You come from all walks of life 
to aid us in celebrating this day. * * * And while we 
make it a festal day I would recall the early struggles of 
our ancestors — * * * their love of freedom which led 
them in yonder church to draft the first Declaration of Inde- 
pendence ever written in America." 

Then followed the address by the orator of the day, Hon. 
James Phinney Baxter of Portland. President of the Maine 
Historical Society. As might be expected, it was eloquent 
and scholarly, replete with historical data. The President 
of the Day remarked : "We have upon the platform men 
representative of the bench and the bar. the peers of any in 
the world ; others renowned in art and literature ; * * * 
The educators of our youth, the merchant, the farmer and 
the mechanic, * * * ^yy^q soldier who has carried our 
flag to victory, who when called upon responded with the 
best that was in him." He then introduced ''that veteran 
Christian soldier and patriot who has four times been elected 
Governor of Maine." 

General Chamberlain gave a fine impromptu address, and 
in his opening said : 
"Mr. President and Gracious Friends : — 

"I am not one of your appointed speakers; I am one of 
your relics. I had the honor some time ago of giving a 
'sermon' at the rededication of your historic old church here ; 
and I dare say your committee of arrangements thought that 
was enough of my preaching for one generation. But now 
called by your courtesy to speak, even amidst these great 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I/I 

men whose words are eagerly heard far and wide over land, 
and beyond the seas, some ancient blood in me, gives me the 
boldness to offer what I may among the testimonies of the 
day." In closing he said: "We desire to offer our tribute 
of remembrance for the strong and brave who here took the 
initiative in making this a world for us; for we, too, claim 
to have part in this inheritance of brave beginnings." 

President Tucker of Dartmouth was the next speaker. 
In part he said : "This little settlement of York was a pawn 
on the chessboard of Old World politics. The game was 
played by wireless telegraphy. A word from the Court at 
Versailles, and the Indians stole down from the north on 
their errand of death. It was one continued move and 
counter-move between English and French, and it was the 
settler who marked the play in the fate of his wife and chil- 
dren." 

The last public remarks made by Hon. Thomas B. Reed 
were from the platform on York Village Green, Aug. 5, 
1902. In closing them he said : "I think that with the high 
example set by your illustrious ancestors, the descendants of 
the settlers of York should so conduct themselves as to in- 
crease the nobility and civilization of the world in which 
you move." 

President Smith in presenting the next speaker said : 
"York has attracted to her borders those whom other less 
favored spots have failed to capture. We have made a most 
fortunate acquisition to our summer colony in the person 
and family of one of New York's most eminent counsellors. 
It gives me profound personal, as well as official pleasure, 
to introduce Francis Lynde Stetson, Esquire, of New York." 
Mr. Stetson said in part: "Since Gorges nine generations 
have stood upon the earth, but now and here we think only 



172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

of such of them as have found their homes in York. How 
does this community differ from many others? In degree 
only and not at all in kind. It is a fair type of the settle- 
ments on this New England coast, and shares its character- 
istics. * * * Out of the present as well as from the 
past, in the fulness of time will develop the millennium of 
right that shall be the heritage alike of York, and of our 
beloved Union which is after all only an aggregation of 
Yorks. ^ * * A^i your next great feast of commemo- 
ration the sons and daughters of York shall declare that 
here, and in New England, life is not only true, but that it 
is also interesting; and that your people are as generous as 
just." 

Thomas Nelson Page followed Mr. Stetson, and the writer 
is not sure that his address should not appear in full even 
if other matters were displaced. He said : "But York's pre- 
eminence is based on her having survived all the chances and 
changes of the two centuries and a half that have rolled by. 
* * * It is this we have assembled to celebrate. You, 
the native-born people of York; you the descendants of the 
settlers of York, and the rest of us who have come from 
other Yorks ; but with all the blood and brawn and principles 
that made, and have kept this York continuously for 250 
years. * * * j^ rests with you to preserve what your 
forefathers secured and handed down to you. It is on the 
sterling independence of our American people ; on their love 
of liberty; their homely virtues, that the hope of liberty, and 
of virtue in the world rests." 

Mr. Samuel L. Clemens was then introduced and spoke 
in his characteristic Mark Twain vein. 

After the singing of "America" by the assemblage stand- 
ing. Rev. Sidney K. Perkins, pastor of the First Parish 
Church, gave the benediction. 



history of the town of york i73 

Reception 

Rev. Dr. Frank Sewall gave a reception at the close of 
the public exercises to the visiting members of the Maine 
Historical Society at Coventry Hall, the old Judge Sewall 
mansion. This was largely attended. 



THE BEGINNING OF YORK AS A SUMMER 

RESORT 

In 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Grant received at their 
hospitable home the first to visit York, known as "summer 
boarders." Mr. John Goddard of Middleborough, Mass., 
and a brother. Samuel Goddard of Brookline, Mass., sought 
and found retirement and rest from the active work of mer- 
cantile life in the seclusion of tree-shaded York Village. 
They were the first of succeeding thousands who have car- 
ried the fame of York as far as civilization extends. The 
demand for accommodation by people of that station in life 
who could afford to lay aside the active duties of life during 
the summer months was such that it soon caused Isaiah P. 
Moody, Esq., and Capt. George Moody to open their houses. 
They were followed by Capt. Samuel Young. Mrs. Charles 
Goodwin, and Deacon Henry D. Norwood, at the lower end 
of the town, as it was then called. In October, 1865, the 
cellar and foundation for the "Lord House" was laid by 
William H. Fernald, for Hon. Henry C. Lord of Cincinnati, 
Ohio. He was a son of ex-President Nathan Lord of Dart- 
mouth College, and for a few years this house was the sum- 
mer home of President Lord, his sons. Joseph, William H., 
Frank, Henry C, Nathan, and daughter, the wife of Rev. 
William Wright, pastor of Berkeley Street, Boston, and 
their various family connections. An incident may be re- 
corded here showing somewhat the characteristics of the 
people, as well as of our early visitors. Ex-President Lord 
came to the Grant home one day for entertainment at noon ; 
she was there entertaining a choice number of personal 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I75 

friends, among them were associates of Garrison, Phillips, 
and Whittier; among these Capt. Zimri S. Wallingford and 
family of Dover and Dr. Tayler and family of Andover, 
Mass. Dr. Lord's political views, as well as personal traits, 
were well known to these people, and to Mrs. Grant, and she 
had no room for him. she referred him to Mrs. Matilda 
Moody, where he with his son, Henry C., and family, took up 
summer quarters. It was in this locality that Mr. George 
Goodwin owned a field adjoining the Long Beach. In Sep- 
tember, '66, Mr. Lord purchased this field, and thereon the 
Lord House was built. This house in 1880 became the 
property of Dr. Evan B. Hammond of Nashua, N. H., and 
was made the part of a structure known as the "Hotel Bart- 
lett," Mr. H. E. Evans being the first manager. In 1894 
it was destroyed by fire. Up to 191 2 the land passed into 
several ownerships, but in that year it became the property 
of Daniel Holland, an enterprising business man, and he has 
erected a fine villa for the occupation of himself and inter- 
esting family. 

The second cottage was built in October, 1867, at the 
eastern end of Long Sands, and known as the Kittery House. 
It was owned by ten persons — Dr. M. F. Wentworth, Wil- 
liam H. Sanborn, Theodore Keen, Josiah W. Lewis, John 
C. Currier, Joshua Lewis, Henry R. Philbrick, William 
Mason, Charles W. Cottle, and one other whose name is not 
recalled. It was built by Capt. Timothy Young of Cider 
Hill, and cost one hundred and thirty dollars. It was ar- 
ranged to be the headquarters of fishing and social parties. 
A partition divided the building, so that the women of the 
party could be by themselves when desired. Writing of this 
early summer home, Moses A. Safford, Esq., of Kittery 
writes : "Like most beginnings you perceive it was very 



176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

crude, and the parties aimed at a social, free, and easy time, 
and I guess from the accounts of it as they linger fadingly 
on memory's tablet, they had it. The costumes of the early 
bathers were designed and ornamented by nature herself, it 
has been said." The "Kittery House" is still standing, 
having been remodeled and added to. 

The first summer hotel was built by Maffit W. Bowden 
in the fall of 1868, and the house was opened to the public 
the 26th of June, 1869. It stood on "Cape Neck," so called, 
not far from the car barn, on the easterly side of the high- 
way. The house was burned in 1873. I" 1870 and '71 the 
Sea Cottage at Long Sands and the Marshall House at York 
Harbor were built. Each was opened to the public in 1871, 
the Sea Cottage, now Hotel Mitchell, by Charles H. Say- 
ward and Charles A. Grant, the Marshall House by Hon. 
Nathaniel G. Marshall, assisted by his sons, Edward S. and 
Samuel B. In the years following the Sea Cottage was 
enlarged, and came into the hands of the present proprietor, 
a nephew of Mr. Grant, Edward E. E. Mitchell. The Mar- 
shall House is the property of Hon. Edward S. Marshall 
and has been enlarged three times and will now accommo- 
date three hundred guests. The Goodwin House, now the 
Yorkshire Inn, was a pioneer. The Donnell House at Long 
Beach, and the Thompson House, now Young's Hotel, were 
the first at the Beach. The Sea View. Long Sands, was an 
early hostelry. 

All these builded with faith, builded in hope, and fruition 
came; they were followed by scores. The Bakers at "Al- 
bracca," the Varrells at "Yorkshire," the "Varrell Houses," 
and John H. at "Harmon Hall," Dustin at "The Iduna," 
Henry Mitchell at "The Rockaway," the Ellises at "The 
Ocean," "Union Bluffs" by Moses French. "Agamenticus," 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I77 

"Lyman Hastings," now "Arthur E. Sewall," by William 
H. Hogarth, "Hiawatha" by Mr. Blood, "Wahnita," H. C. 
Jones, "Kearsarge," R. G. Sullivan, and others; with the 
"Bald Head Cliff House," Theodore Weare, now Edward 
Weare, and the "Passaconaway Inn," on the York Cliffs 
Co. reservation. 

To give a place, and call by name each of the villas, resi- 
dences, cottages, and bungalows, that have been erected in 
York for the purpose of summer sojourn and those built in 
connection with the summer business, would require a space 
of many pages in this book. 

At the harbor of the early builders were : Hartly Mason, 
Joseph E. Davis, Joseph May, William H. Lincoln, Bryan 
Lathrop, Thomas Nelson Page, Samuel S. Allen, Wilson 
L. Hawkes, W. M. Walker, H. B. Domonick, George D. 
Washburn, J. C. Bridges, W. S. Putnam, Willard J. Simp- 
son, Alexander Bliss, Joseph W. Simpson, Francis A. Peters, 
R. J. Vinal, E. S. Marshall, John E. Norwood. On the 
river, W. T. Councilman, Mr. Aldis, Sidney R. Taber, Ed- 
ward Sewall, Mrs. Newton Perkins, Miss Mary C. Good- 
rich. At Seabury, Mrs. Samuel Allen, Humphrey Nichols, 
George Raynes, Fred Moore (Seabury Hall). At Long 
Beach, Mrs. Anna F. Manvel, Washington Anderton, Abner 
Oakes, Freeman Ham, Charles Carter, Juliette Moody and 
Mrs. J. H. Burleigh, built in the last century, Hon. Edward 
O. Emerson in 1904. Mr. C. B. Moseley and his son at 
Concordville have a fine establishment, as does Mr. Worthen 
and Mr. Shattuck. Near "The Willows" is the residence 
of F. H. Ellis. A fine residence built by A. H. Bowden is 
now the property of his daughter, Mrs. George F. Parsons. 
At York Cliffs are the residences of Mr. Vermeule and Mrs. 
Kenny; farther on Mrs. Cannaroe, Mr. d'Este and the Misses 



178 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Pickering have villas. The result of a recent perambulation 
of the division line between the towns of York and Wells 
places the villa of the Misses Pickering in the latter town. 
At Dover Bluff, Gov. Charles H. Sawyer and E. R. Brown 
of Dover, N. H., built fine residences, which have changed 
hands. 

The above are a few of the five hundred and fifty human 
dwellings built in the last half century, all in the line of the 
summer resort activity, which may now be said to be the 
real business of the town. 



COTTON AND WOOLEN MILLS 

The first cotton mill ever established in Maine was in 
the town of York. 

The York Cotton Factory Company was incorporated by 
the Massachusetts Legislature, February 12, 181 1. 

The incorporators were Soloman Brooks, Alexander Mc- 
Litire, Daniel Carlisle, William Chase, Daniel Brooks, 
William Frost, and Elihu Bragdon, all of York, and the 
incorporation was "for the purpose of manufacturing cotton 
in said town." The company was authorized "to hold and 
possess real estate not exceeding the value of twenty thou- 
sand dollars, and personal estate not exceeding the value of 
fifty thousand dollars, as may become necessary and con- 
venient for carrying on the manufacture of cotton in the 
said town of York." 

The company was organized early in that year with Daniel 
Brooks as manager and Soloman Brooks as Treasurer and 
Clerk. It is not quite certain who was the President of the 
company, but it is believed to have been Alexander Mclntire. 

The amount of the capital stock of the company was fixed 
at ten thousand dollars, divided into one hundred shares of 
one hundred dollars each. The whole of the capital stock 
was promptly taken and the company proceeded at once to 
erect a mill. The mill was built about one hundred yards 
below the outlet of Chase's Lake. 

They began manufacturing goods in the autumn of that 
jyear. The first piece of cloth was woven by Miss Betsey 
Carlisle, who was afterward Mrs. Betsey Talpey, wife of 
Captain Jonathan Talpey of Cape Neddick. It was the first 
piece of cotton cloth ever woven in Maine. 



l8o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

The country people came from afar and near to see the 
work done. The company prospered for a number of years 
and at one time shares of the stock sold as high as one hun- 
dred and sixty dollars per share. 

In 1815 the company built a second mill on the same 
stream just above the first one. Subsequently prices for 
goods began to go down, probably owing to the closing of 
the war of 1812-1815 with Great Britain, which was about 
that time, the mills did not pay and gradually ran down and 
went out of business. 

A part of the foundation wall of the north side of the first 
mill is still standing, as is also the stone abutment of the 
southeasterly end of the mill dam, and when the first large 
main of the York Shore Water Company was laid in 1896 
the workmen dug up some of the plank spiling of the old 
cotton factory dam. 

The residence of Mr. Josiah Chase was built by that com- 
pany for a boarding house, which was kept by Daniel Brooks, 
the manager, who boarded most of the mill help there. That 
house was built in the spring of 181 1 when the first mill was 
built, and the nails used in the construction of the mill and 
house were wrought nails, hand forged and made on the 
premises. 

That stream furnished the principal water power in the 
town. The first mill built near the outlet of the lake was 
a sawmill owned by Thomas Bragdon. who obtained a grant 
of the land from the town in 1702. In 1768 he sold a part 
of the mill-privilege to Josiah Chase in consideration, as the 
deed states, that said Chase had established a clothier's mill 
there. Chase raised the lake some ten or twelve feet by 
building a dam, the earthwork of which formed the base of 
and is included in the earthwork of the present dam. Chase 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK l8l 

or his son, Cotton Chase, subsequently bought the remainder 
of the privilege from the heirs of Thomas Bragdon. 

The business of the clothier of those days consisted in 
finishing the cloth which was woven in the homes of the 
people ready to be made up into clothing. This business 
was carried on by Col. Josiah Chase, and by his son Cotton 
Chase, and his grandson, Capt. Josiah Chase, successively, 
from 1768 to 1845, when conditions had become changed 
and the business had decreased, and in that year Capt. Josiah 
Chase built a woolen factory where for many years he suc- 
cessfully manufactured various kinds of woolen goods which 
became widely known and had a ready sale. He carried on 
the business up to 1873 when he gave it up to his sons, 
Charles E. and John L. Chase, who enlarged the facilities 
and carried on the business successfully for several years, 
a part of the time running their mill night and day until one 
of the brothers died. The other subsequently leased the mill 
and after the lessee had operated the mill a few months it 
was burned down, and was never rebuilt. 

In addition to the business of clothier carried on by Col. 
Josiah Chase, he had a sawmill and carding mill on the same 
stream about a quarter of a mile below his finishing mill. 
In that carding mill he had two machines which were said 
to have been brought from England, and were several hun- 
dred years old. 

In this mill he took the wool brought there by the farmers 
and carded it into fine soft rolls about half an inch in diam- 
eter and about two feet long. These rolls were then taken 
home by the farmers and there spun into yarn. This work 
was done in the spring, and the cloth dressing mostly in the 
autumn and winter. The carding of rolls in that mill was 
carried on by Chase and his heirs from 1770 up to about 
i860. 



l82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

When the York Cotton Factory Company built their mill 
in 1811, they bought from Cotton Chase the right to take 
water from the lake through his gate until the water got 
down to the depth of four feet in the flume ; he reserving all 
under that depth for his mill ; but they could use it, of course, 
after it passed his mill. 

From 1850 to i860 there were nine mills on that stream 
between the lake and the ocean which used the water of that 
stream for motive power, one woolen factory, one carding 
mill, where wool was carded into rolls for people who brought 
the wool, two grist mills, four sawmills and one shingle mill. 
All of those mills, with the exception of one sawmill, are 
gone. 

That lake was locally known for a great many years as 
Chase's Pond. That name probably became attached to it 
by usage, probably arising from the fact that it was con- 
trolled and the water used for manufacturing purposes by 
members of that family for about one hundred and twelve 
consecutive years. 

The original name of the lake was "Lake Agamenticus," 
and that is the name it still bears on the charts of the U. S. 
Geodetic Survey, it being a rule of the government to use 
original names so far as they are authentically known. 

The first mill building was taken down and moved to 
Beech Ridge and is the dwelling house of Asa Mclntire and 
his descendants. 

The second was also moved and reconstructed into a dwell- 
ing house located on the road to Portsmouth just beyond the 
Kittery line, and is now occupied by Newbury Haley. 



WITCHCRAFT 

In 1758 there was much fear that the witchcraft delusion 
of 1692 was to be renewed in York. Sixty years before the 
ancestor of the Wells Jacobs family had been executed in 
Salem, Mass., as a witch. Upham in his history of that 
crime says : ''He was grey-headed and walked with two 
staffs." His hair was long and thin, and he was of more 
than ordinary stature and presented a venerable aspect. His 
faculties were strong, being fearless, and his speech vigorous 
and decided. While on trial he appealed to the court, en- 
deavoring to bring them to a sense of fair dealing: "Pray 
do not accuse me, I am as clear as your worships. You must 
do right judgment. I am clear of the charges. I never 
wronged man in word or deed. I have done no harm. 
Burn me, or hang me, I will stand in the truth of Christ." 
However, he was found guilty, and executed Aug. 19, 1692. 

In the month of March, 1758, a deacon of the First Con- 
gregational Church in York made the following public decla- 
ration: "A strange distemper has seized upon my sheep by 
which thirty, old and young, have died by apparently bleed- 
ing at the nose. Soon after all the hens and chickens were 
found dead with their necks twisted. A fine calf was bright 
and well in the evening, in the morning he was found on his 
back with his legs up panting until he died. Up to this time 
he did not suspect anything supernatural. But in April 
the most unaccountable things took place in the house. He 
took several household utensils and put them in a particular 
spot, just turned around and back at once, and they were 
all in the fire partly burnt, and while taking his meal at the 
table with his children who were eating porridge instantly 



184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

all the spoons were taken from their hands and were not to 
be found ; and afterwards, when a visitor was taking coffee 
with them she was warned by him to take care of her spoon, 
or it would be missing as soon as she laid it down. She 
said she would 'see to that, and put it into the coffee pot.' 
She did so and shut down the lid; but on lifting it in a few 
minutes the spoon was gone. They had churned and went 
for the salt but that had also disappeared." These things 
caused the good man and his family great perplexity and 
worriment. Many things in daily use were disappearing 
suddenly. At last fasting and prayer were proposed as the 
only known means of driving out the unwelcome spirit. 
Rev. Mr. Lyman, the minister, and many of the Parish 
were much excited by these unexplained manifestations. 
Finally, becoming convinced that this state of affairs was 
brought about by the influence of sorcery, the people charged 
it upon a bad neighbor, whom the deacon had offended. 
A daughter of this neighbor, well knowing the unworthy 
and in fact infamous character of her father, called upon 
him and calmly reasoned with him about the matter, beseech- 
ing him to cease his disturbing enchantments. And from 
this time quiet reigned in the household, and the every- 
day routine of labor and rest proceeded undisturbed. How 
account for these strange doings, which are facts? 



COCHRANISM 

This delusion did not gain a foothold to any large extent 
in York, though for some weeks its devotees gathered at a 
barn in the vicinity of Cape Neddick Village in 1818. The 
principal communities were at Kennebunk, Buxton, Saco and 
New Gloucester. The founder of this sect, Jacob Cochrane, 
began his disturbing career in Fryeburg in 1816, and he 
succeeded in arousing wonderful interest and securing a 
large number of adherents in Oxford, Cumberland and York 
Counties. He was about thirty-five years old when he com- 
menced his ministry. In personal appearance he was tall 
and robust, a handsome countenance which is said to have 
indicated more of sensualism than of intellect. Up to the 
time he conceived that he had a "call" to preach, he was 
engaged in the grocery business and was well patronized. 
He was considered by his customers as a "good fellow" but 
rather lazy, and his moral character was at par. That Coch- 
rane did have wonderful hypnotic or mesmeric power is not 
questioned, but the use to which he put it was, and is, ques- 
tionable. He soon gained a prominence he did not seek or 
expect. There were even among his followers some pure- 
minded and excellent men and women who would take no 
part in the practices of their leader or his "choice helpers." 
When it is taken into consideration that there was no pulpit, 
no singers' seats, but that the master and his flock joined 
with the sinners and scoffers on the floor, it can be easily 
imagined that much confusion prevailed. Speaking of this 
sect, the Newburyport Herald of the early part of 18 19 has 
the following: "We have seen a pamphlet published by a 
Baptist minister of regular standing in New Gloucester, 



1 86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Maine, giving an account of Cochrane and his deluded fol- 
lowers. It appears that under the guise of religion they 
have committed the most indecent and abominable acts of 
adultery * * * One of the leading tenets was to dis- 
solve the ties of matrimony as suited their convenience and as 
promiscuous sexual intercourse was tolerated by each male 
being allowed to take seven wives. 

"It seems that Cochrane, the high priest of iniquity, has 
had nearly half his female followers for wives in the course 
of his ministration which has been about two years standing." 

In February, 1819, Cochrane was brought before Justice 
Granger at Saco, charged with gross lewdness, lascivious 
behavior and adultery by Mr. Ichabod Jordan. And he was 
ordered to recognize in the sum of eighteen hundred dollars 
for his appearance before the Supreme Court at Alfred, the 
third Tuesday of May. At that time he was found guilty 
but left the town and his bail was forfeited. He was appre- 
hended in November and removed to the State Prison at 
Charlestown. He was in Cape Neddick for a short time in 
1834. In September, 1835, he succeeded in establishing a 
"Convent" at Stratham, N. H., at which some of his former 
York disciples were allowed a "sacred retreat" and privileged 
to keep the Passover. In 1823, Mr. Samuel Junkins, a fol- 
lower of Cochrane and a shining light, attempted to build 
up and control a new sect but did not find great encourage- 
ment. He issued the following manifesto : "At the Baptist 
meeting house in York, On the Lord's Day next this House 
will be free for the Sons and Daughters of Zion to wait on 
the Lord and honor Him that hath made them free. Also 
the Family of Egypt may have another opportunity to come 
up to Jerusalem to keep the feast in Tabernacles, or if they 
refuse they must not expect to have any rain of the Spirit 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 187 

on them. Hypocrites, Mongrels and Lepers are desired to 
withdraw. Samuel Junkins, Servant of the Church of 
Christ, York. York, August i, 1823." 

This proposed gathering of the children of Zion resulted 
in following court action : 

At the October term, Court of Common Pleas, Junkins 
was fined twenty dollars and costs, in all forty dollars, and 
his wife, Olive, who was thirty-five years old, and by no 
means the weaker vessel, was fined five dollars and costs of 
thirty-four dollars, "for wilfully disturbing a meeting held 
at the Baptist Meeting-House in York on the Lord's Day." 



THE NORRIDGEWOCK EXPEDITION 

Of the youths of 1692 who escaped death in the massacre 
of that year, two had reached the years of strong manhood 
in 1724, Captains Harmon and Moulton. They remembered 
the sufferings they and their parents endured at the hands 
of the Indians, and with others became noted Indian fighters 
and traveled long distances on dangerous expeditions against 
them. Williamson gives the following account of that 
against the Norridgewock Village, which had been marked 
for destruction : "The execution of this enterprise was com- 
mitted to a detachment of 208 men who were divided into 
four companies and commanded by Captains Moulton, Har- 
mon, Bourne, and Bane. (Captain Bourne was from Wells 
Captain Johnson Harmon was the senior officer in com- 
mand.) They left Richmond fort, their place of rendezvous, 
on the 19th of August, 1724, and ascended the river in twelve 
whale boats, attended by three Mohawks. The next day 
they arrived at Tecomet, where they left their boats and a 
lieutenant and guard of 40 men ; the residue of the forces 
on the 2 1 St took up their march toward Norridgewock; the 
same evening they discovered three of the natives and fired 
upon them ; the noted Bomazeen, one of them, was shot 
swimming the river, as he attempted to escape, his daughter 
was fatally wounded and his wife taken prisoner. From 
her they obtained a full account of Rale (the French Jesuit 
priest) and the Indians at Norridgewock which quickened 
their march. A little after noon on the 22nd they came in 
sight of the village, when it was determined to divide the 
detachment. Capt. Harmon led off about 60 men toward 
the mouth of Sandy River, imagining he saw smoke arising 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 189 

in that quarter, and supposing that some of the Indians might 
be at their corn fields. Captain Moulton formed his men 
into three bands nearly equal in numbers, and proceeded 
directly toward the village. When near it, he placed parties 
in ambush, on the right and left, and led forward the residue 
to the attack, excepting ten men left to guard the baggage. 
He commanded his men to reserve their fire until after that 
of the Indians; and then boldly advanced with so quick a 
step and in such profound silence, that they came within 
pistol shot before their approach was suspected. All the 
Indians were in their wigwams, when one happening to step 
out, looked and discovered the English close upon them. 
He instantly gave the warwhoop and seized his gun. The 
amazement of the whole village was indiscriminate and ter- 
rible. The fighting men, about 60 in all, seized their guns 
and fired at their assailants; but in their tremor they over- 
shot them, and not a man was hurt. A discharge was in- 
stantly returned which did effectual execution. The Indians 
fired a second volley without breaking Moulton's ranks; 
then flying to the water, fell upon the muzzles of the guns 
in ambush. Several instantly fell, some undertook to wade 
or swim across the river, which at this season was only sixty 
feet wide, and in no place more than six feet deep. A few 
jumped into their canoes, but forgetting to take their paddles 
were unable to escape; and all, especially the old men, women 
and children, fled in every direction. Our soldiers shot them 
in their flight to the woods, also upon the water; so that not 
more than fifty of the whole village were supposed to have 
landed on the opposite side of the river; while about 150 
effected an escape into the thickets too far to be overtaken. 
The pursuers then returned to the village, where they found 
the Jesuit Rale, in one of the wigwams, firing upon a few 



igO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

of our men who had not followed the wretched fugitives. 
He had with him in the wigwam an English boy about 14 
years of age, who had been a prisoner for six months. This 
boy he shot through the thigh, and afterward stabbed him 
in the body, though he ultimately recovered. Moulton had 
given orders to spare the life of Rale. But Jacques, a lieu- 
tenant, finding he was firing from the wigwam and had 
wounded one of our men, stove open the door and shot him 
through the head. As an excuse for this act, Jacques alleged 
that when he entered the wigwam Rale was loading his gun 
and declaring he would neither give nor take quarter. 
Moulton disapproved of what was done; allowing, however, 
that Rale said something to provoke Jacques, yet doubt- 
ing if the statement made by him was literally correct. 
* * * Near night after the action was over and the 
village cleared of Indians, Capt. Harmon and his party 
arrived ; and the companies under a guard of forty men took 
up a lodgment in the wigwam until morning. When it was 
light they counted, as two authors say, twenty-seven, and a 
third says, thirty dead bodies, including Rale; among whom 
were those of Mogg, Job, Carabesett, Wissemenent, and 
Bomasun's son-in-law, all known and noted warriors. They 
also recovered three captives and four prisoners; and it was 
afterward reported that they wounded fourteen Indians who 
escaped. The whole number killed and drowned was sup- 
posed to be eighty, some say more. The plunder brought 
away (most of which came to York) consisted of the plate 
furniture of the altar, a few guns, blankets and kettles, and 
about three barrels of powder. After leaving the place on 
their march to Teconet. Christian, one of the Mohawks, 
either sent back or returning of his own accord, set fire to 
the chapel and cottages, and they were all burned to ashes." 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK IQI 

On the 27th the brave detachment arrived at Fort Richmond, 
without the loss of a man. It was an exploit exceedingly 
gratifying to the community, and considered as brilliant as 
any other in either of the wars since the fall of King Philip. 
Harmon, who was senior in command, proceeded to Boston 
with the scalps, and received in reward for the achievement 
in which Moulton had the principal agency a commission of 
Lieutenant-Colonel. Moulton received no distinguishing 
recompense, except the universal applause of the country. 
If, as has been said. Rale at the age of thirty-four took part 
in the devastation of 1692, his sin found him out when he 
was sixty-six. However, the version of the expedition story 
as told by Rev. Father de la Chasse is different. "A little 
army of Englishmen and their savage allies numbering eleven 
hundred men unexpectedly came to attack the village of 
Narransouk. * * * Father Rale, warned by the clamor 
and tumult of the danger that was menacing his neophytes, 
promptly left his house and fearlessly appeared before the 
enemy. He expected by his presence either to stop their 
first efforts, or at least to draw their attention to himself 
alone, and at the expense of his life procure the safety of 
his flock. Soon as they perceived the missionary a general 
shout was raised which was followed by a storm of musket 
shot that was poured upon him. He dropped dead at the 
foot of a large cross that he had erected in the midst of the 
village, in order to announce the public profession that was 
made thereon of adoring a crucified God. * * * The 
English did not attempt to pursue the fugitives; they were, 
content with burning and pillaging the village ; they set fire 
to the church after a base profanation of the sacred vessels 
and of the adorable body of Jesus Christ. The precipitate 
retreat of the enemy permitted the return of the fugitives 



192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

to the village. Their first care was to weep over the body 
of their holy missionary; they found it pierced by hundreds 
of bullets, the scalp torn off, the skull broken by blows of 
a hatchet, the mouth and eyes filled with mud, the bones of 
the legs broken, and all the members mutilated. * * * 
After three devout Christians had washed and kissed many 
times the honored remains of their father, they buried him 
in the very place where, the day before, he had celebrated 
the Holy Sacrifice of the mass — that is, in the place where 
the altar had stood before the burning of the church." 



ST. ASPINQUID 

Within the area of the town of York there is a high 
hill of three summits, the highest of which is about six hun- 
dred feet above sea level. It is called Agamenticus. Upon 
the top of this hill, St. Aspinquid is buried. The story of 
his life and death is given briefly by Edward C. Moody in 
an address delivered on Mt. Agamenticus some years since, 
the reproduction of which appears in the History of St. 
Aspinquid Lodge, F. and A. M., and of which the following 
is a copy : 

"In 1582 the Algonquin family of Indians was largest 
and most powerful on this continent. It occupied about 
one-half of the territory now embraced in the United States, 
east of the Mississippi, and contained as many warriors as 
the remaining families put together. Among the nations or 
tribes composing this great family of red men were the Nar- 
ragansetts, the Pequots and Paw^tuckets in New England. 
In a wigwam of the latter tribe in the month of May. 1588, 
Aspinquid was born. Very likely his early years and edu- 
cation were much the same as with other Indian boys, con- 
sisting chiefly of athletic exercises and such training as would 
enable him to endure hunger and fatigue. At the age of 
eighteen years he underwent his final trial ; his face was 
blackened for the last time and he was led far into the woods, 
where he was left without food as long as life could be sup- 
ported. He was then taken home amid the plaudits of his 
guardians, and after various ceremonies informed that now 
he was a man, that for him there was a seat at the council 
fire, and now he might speak for peace or for war. It may 
be that his physical education had been supplemented, as in 



194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

some tribes was the custom, by instruction in the history of 
his tribe, and its institutions, the deeds of valor done by his 
forefathers being recounted by some old chief. However, 
in 163 1, at the age of forty-three, in the prime of his young 
manhood, a change came over the spirit of his dreams; 
under the preaching and guidance of John Eliot, he became 
a warrior of the Cross, and the fierce savage, laying aside 
tomahawk, bow and arrow, became a devout follower of the 
meek and lowly Master. And thenceforth he traversed the 
forests, visiting the several tribes, going even to the Ottawas 
in Lake Huron and as one account has it, 'from the Atlantic 
to the California Sea,' telling them of a sure way to the 
happy hunting grounds, and the land of the Great Spirit 
beyond the river. As age grew upon him, Aspinquid be- 
came an object of great veneration to the natives. At the 
age of ninety- four years, in 1682, he died and his funeral 
was conducted with great pomp and ceremony. In honor 
of the deceased a great collection of many sorts of wild 
animals was sacrificed to the departed spirit. The follow- 
ing is the list as preserved, the whole number being 6,721, 
viz. : twenty-five bucks, sixty-nine does, ninety-nine bears, 
thirty-six moose, two hundred and forty wolves, eighty-two 
wildcats, three catamounts, nine hundred muskrats, three 
ermines, fifty weasels, fifty-nine woodchucks, four hundred 
and eighty-two foxes, thirty-two buffaloes, four hundred 
otters, six hundred and thirty beavers, one thousand five 
hundred minks, one hundred and ten ferrets, five hundred 
and twenty raccoons, five hundred and one fishes, thirty- 
eight porcupines, eight hundred and thirty-two martens, one 
hundred and twelve rattlesnakes. 

"Many people take exception to this account, but if we 
take into consideration the thousands of warriors who at- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I95 

tended the burial and vied with each other in doing homage 
to the departed spirit by their victims for sacrifice, and the 
fact that the forests were filled with wild animals of all 
kinds, the rivers with beavers, the streams and brooks with 
otter, mink and muskrat, we little need to wonder; for all 
these animals and reptiles were gathered in from the Atlantic 
'even to the California Sea.' On his tombstone, which might 
be seen in 1780, were inscribed in the Indian language these 
words : 

'* 'Present Useful; Absent Wanted; 

Lived Desired ; Died Lamented.' " 



THE STORY OF BOON ISLAND — HOW IT 
RECEIVED ITS NAME 

Ix 1630 there were two prominent — among others — 
settlements on the New England coast, one at Plymouth, 
the other at Pemaqnid. The Pilgrims at Plymouth had 
gained strength and their fields were waving with corn; 
at Pemaquid the British merchants had become prosperous. 
A brisk trade was opened between Plymouth and Pemaquid, 
shallop loads of corn being exchanged for furs and other 
commodities, and Lhis continued for fifty years. On one of 
these coastwise voyages, the "pinky" Increase was wrecked 
on Boon Island rock. A portion of her hull and spars with 
three white men and one Indian. Asseomet. whose name has 
been preserved by the everlasting name of Agamenticus, 
known at that time as "Asseomenticus," drifted on to the 
island proper at the south, then without its present name. 
This was in April, 1682. For a month they sustained life 
by eating shell fish and drinking water obtained from rain 
water which had fallen in the depressions of the rocks. They 
also had flint and could strike fire. In May they observed 
smoke arising from the top of Mt. Agamenticus. It was the 
day of the funeral of "St. Aspinquid," and the smoke was 
that of sacrifice where 671 1 victims were doing homage in 
death to the memory of the saint. The castaways at once 
proceeded to gather as large a pile of wreckage and drift- 
wood as possible, and covering it with rock weed, soon a 
cloud of black smoke was ascending skyward. The warriors 
inland on the mountain perceived it and at once the cry 
arose, being interpreted, "The Great Spirit answers us," and 
forthwith a number of warriors hastened to the point known 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK I97 

as the "Knubble," manned their canoes and paddled for the 
smoke-covered island. The castaways were taken ashore at 
Eastern Point, near Norwood's Grove, then and therafter 
giving thanks. They named the island "Boon Island," for 
it had proved a "boon" to them. 

In an impromptu address by Rev. R. M. Sawyer, at a 
picnic of the First Congregational Parish at "Norwood 
Grove" in 1864, he referred to the incidents above related. 



THE DEVIL'S INVENTION 

FROM THE PEN OF G. ALEX EMERY 

At a court held in York, July, 1679, the following crim- 
inal case was tried. James Adams of York became affronted 
with one of his neighbors, Henry Simpson, and determined 
to avenge himself upon two of Simpson's children, whose 
ages were six and nine years. His contrivance and crime 
were as satanic as they were deliberate. In a solitary place 
four or five miles from the dwelling houses of the inhab- 
itants, he built of logs, beside a ledge of perpendicular rocks, 
a pen or pound several feet in height with walls inclined 
inward from bottom to top. After he had built this he de- 
coyed the children into the woods under the pretence of 
searching for birds' nests, and caused them to enter within 
the pound, where he left them to perish of famine. The 
place has since been called "The Dcrnl's Invention." The 
children were soon missed and the alarmed inhabitants 
searched for them more than forty-eight hours. The boys 
when aware of their wretched situation made various at- 
tempts to get out and at length by digging away with their 
hands the surface of the earth underneath the bottom of one 
of the logs effected their escape. They wandered in the 
woods three days, being at last attracted to the seashore by 
the noise of the surf, where they were found. 

The depraved criminal was condemned to have thirty 
lashes well laid on ; to pay the father of the children five 
pounds besides fee and charges of the prison, and remain a 
close prisoner during the Court's pleasure or until further 
order. The same month he recognized before two of the 
Associates ''Conditioned to send him within twenty-one days 
out of the jurisdiction." 



TEA PARTY 

In 1774 the citizens of York, following the example set 
by their friends in Boston Dec. 16, 1773, had a tea party. 
A lot of tea was brought to York in the schooner Sunburst 
under command of Capt. James Donnell. But the people 
would not submit to this plain insult, and it was considered 
as insulting to the public sentiment already existing that of 
determined resistance to taxation without representation. 

A town meeting was immediately called, and a committee 
was chosen to have the tea removed from the vessel to await 
further developments. It was put into Capt. Grow's store. 
But the people were not satisfied by this way of dealing with 
what they considered an affront. Thereupon the following 
evening a number of Pickwaket Indians came into the village, 
broke open the store and carried off the tea, so there was no 
duty paid on it by the people. It did not share the fate of 
the Boston tea which was thrown overboard; some of the 
Indians being of a prudent disposition had a supper of tea 
for a long time, and their descendants frequently ''turn tea" 
in York, New York, and elsewhere. 



"HULL A MALEW" 

The following from the pen of the late Judge Preble 
is herewith given : 

The Mclntire family were a strong, muscular, athletic race 
of men, perfect sons of Anak in their time. On occasion 
the people of Scotland Parish, as well as those from other 
quarters in town, came all flocking down to the central place 
of business and trade in York. They got up a grand "spree." 
The Mclntire is a peaceable, well-disposed fellow if you do 
not chafe him too much, but beware how you start the Scotch 
blood. In due time the Scotland people started for home, 
somewhat excited by liberal potations, the fit subjects for a 
row. Riding on together, jostling each other, playing off 
their tricks accompanied by coarse jokes, they at length got 
into a grand "melee." And to work they went. Tradition 
has handed down an account of the battle, and one of the 
epic poets of the day celebrated this encounter in immortal 
verse. My memory is so imperfect that I can give entire 
only one stanza. It runs thus : 

"And there was Micuni Mclntire, 
With his great foot and hand, 
He kicked and cuffed Sam Freathy so. 
He could neither go nor stand." 

This engagement was renewed in following years near 
Bass Cove and was called a "Hull a Malew," which being 
interpreted is — "A hell of a melee." 



STORY OF SEYMOUR'S HANGING 

AN AUTHENTIC TALE HANDED DOWN FROM AN EYE-WITNESS 
OF THE AFFAIR 

The EXACT date at which the tragedy took place and the 
time when the murderer expiated the crime cannot be given. 
The yonng girl of twelve years who with her parents attend- 
ed the trial heard the condemnation and sentence of death 
pronounced by the Court, became Mrs. Nutter, the great- 
grandmother of Stover Perkins, and it was she who later 
in gala attire witnessed the execution of John Seymour by 
hanging from a gibbet at the point on "Stage Neck" by 
which the river runs. It may be remarked incidentally that 
it appears to be a question undecided, whether the instru- 
ment of death was located at or near "Betty Allen's" point, 
or the Eastern and Southern point near Forthead. The 
recollections of Mrs. Irene Welch, who heard the story from 
Mrs. Nutter, all point in the direction of the western loca- 
tion. This Seymour lived near the present residence of 
Lorenzo Starkey at Fall Mill bridge. For some reason he 
had become imbued with the idea that the two-year-old child 
he rocked in the cradle was not his own. It may be that he 
had heard the song, "Rock the cradle, John, * * * ." At 
any rate, one day in May about the year eighteen hundred, 
he rushed from the field to the home, seized the sleeping 
infant in his arms, ran to the bridge and flung the helpless 
child down to the ragged rocks and whirling stream below. 
His wife, who had followed in frenzied haste, was powerless 
to prevent the atrocious deed, and in turn but for flight to 
a neighbor's might have been a victim of the same fate as 
her child could Seymour have carried out his threats. Sey- 



202 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

moiir's arrest by Sheriff Ichabod Goodwin of Berwick soon 
followed and subsequently the trial, conviction and sentence. 
As may well be believed, this terrible deed caused great ex- 
citement, the brutal taking of an innocent life with no justi- 
fiable cause awakened the minds of the people in all the 
country roundabout, and threats of early vengeance were 
openly and freely made. These were not carried into effort 
and incarcerated in the inner dungeon of the York Gaol, 
John Seymour awaited his trial and the day when he should 
"kick the beam" at Gallows Point. The day came with its 
bright August sun ; and the girl of twelve in her new dress 
of colored linen adorned with an extra flounce for the occa- 
sion was there or this particular story would not have been 
told. Hundreds of all ages and conditions were there to 
witness the expiation of a horrible crime. The details of 
the hanging of those times need not be recounted. The gal- 
lows or gibbet consisted of an upright with a beam extending 
braced from upright to beam, a narrow platform stood six 
or seven feet below the beam, which was reached by a ladder 
or flight of steps. The rope suspended from the beam was 
adjusted and the victim pushed or kicked off the platform. 
Sometimes the rebound was such his limbs not being bound 
he verily "kicked the beam" amid the applause of the mul- 
titude. 



COPIES OF EARLY LAND GRANTS 

Grants given by the Inhabitants of the Town of York. 
10 : January 1652 at a Town Meeting, 

i=Granted unto Thomas Crockett a parcell of ground to 
Plant in which Lieth betwixt the bounds of Mr. Edward 
Godfrey & Mr. Francis Rains, which is granted & given to 
him by the Town w*^** quantity of Land Contains the Pro- 
portion of forty Acres which is given and Confirmed to him. 

2=It is ordered that Sylvester Stover is to have a parcell 
of Meadow, Lying at the further end of the Great marsh 
as we Go to Wells upon the right hand of the path, which 
proportion of marsh with the swamp adjoining to it, is given 
& Granted to Sylvester Stover & his assigns, to the Quantity 
of Six Acres and not above. 

3=It was formerly granted unto John Daviss, the Smith 
and is now Confirmed by the Town of York, namely forty 
acres of upland is gi\en & granted unto y® s'' John Daviss 
Lying from the head of his own Marsh and so back into 
the Country till the whole forty acres be compleated. 

4=There is likewise granted twenty acres a peice of up- 
land adjoining & Lying next to the s^ John Daviss his upland 
unto John Harker and William More to run back Into the 
Country as the other doth. 

20 Acres bounded Lib II pag 5. 



THE EARLIEST AUTHENTIC RECORD IN HAND- 
WRITING OF THE TOWN CLERK 

(Sec Hon. N. G. Marshall's Historical Address, 1874, 

Feb. 22d.) 
Book A. Page 433. ist Record by James Plaisted, 
Town Clerk. 

Town Meetings 1695/6 

5 
Att a Legall Town meeting held In york 18 march 1696 

Jurors I Arthur Came, Thomas Donnell, Richard Hon- 

newell, Abraham Prebble Jun*" chosen Jurymen 
for y® year ensuing. 

Const 2 Benjamin Prebble chosen Constable for the 

year ensuing. 

Sel men 3 M"" Sam'' Donnell, IVr James Plaisted, Thomas 
Trafton, John Brawn & Joseph Weare Chosen 
Select men for y^ year ensuing. 

Comm"®^ 4 Left*^ Prebble to join with the Select men in 
Agreing with M'' Hancock for the year ensuing. 

Griss mill 5 Left^ Prebble, M'" Sam" Donnell, Arthur Brag- 
don Sen'" & Joseph Weare to Indent with Capt. 
Pickering about erecting a good and sufficient 
Griest mill In York. 

Fence V 6 William Hilton & Joseph Pray fence viewers 
chosen than : (?) 

James Plaisted, Town Clerk. 

George F. Plaisted, the Clerk at this writing, is the sixth 
generation from James Plaisted, Clerk in 1695-6, and has 
served thirteen years. James Plaisted's is the earliest record 
extant. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 205 

At a Legall Town meeting held In york 20 May 1696 
Surv" I Joseph Banks chosen Surveyour for the high- 

ways this year. 
Pound 

Keeper 2 Joseph Carhle, pound keeper. 
Town Book 3 Agreed & voted that the Town books shall be 
fairly & truly Transcribed & rectified; & this 
to be done at the Towns charge. 
Rams 4 Agreed & voted that all Rams shall be kept 

from the youes from the last of July till the 
fifth of November. 

James Plaisted 

Town Clerk 



"TOMMY DISCO" 

Seafaring men will, if they have reached the age of three 
score and ten, remember Capt. Thomas Discoll, an Irishman, 
who came to York in 1810. He married a daughter of 
Ezekial Adams of Cape Neddick. He could neither read 
nor write, however, James Weare, Senior, who owned the 
schooner Cicero, gave him command, and with a crew of 
one man he made the trip to Newburyport, with a cargo of 
thirty cords of wood. He always carried his food from 
home, saying that by so doing his "grub did not cost any- 
thing." This saying became a by-word. Finally he ran the 
Cicero ashore and she was a total loss. He then took the 
schooner Drake, owned by Capt. Theodore Donnell (grand- 
father of George Albra). Capt. Donnell had sailed the 
Drake successfully many years. Discoll had been in the 
Drake but two trips, when he run her on the rocks and he 
with the crew of two barely escaped with life. The loss of 
one more vessel terminated his career as a master mariner. 
He then followed wherry-fishing to near the close of his life. 
He was a member of the Baptist Church at Cape Neddick, 
and his nearest approach to profanity was in the occasional 
use of the word "damn." After such an occasion, like Peter, 
"he went out and wept bitterly." 



WREATH ON GRAVE OF SAMUEL MOODY 

DUMMER ACADEMY, CELEBRATING I5OTH ANNIVERSARY, 

HONORS MEMORY OF INSTITUTION'S FIRST PRECEPTOR 

LIFE OF NOTED EDUCATOR. 

A WREATH of flowers on Samuel Moody's grave, in the 
old burying ground, opposite the Congregational Church, 
has attracted general attention this week. Through the 
courtesy of Edward C. Moody the Transcript is able to give 
a short history of the man who, more than a century ago, 
was one of the foremost educators in the country. Since 
1795 the remains have laid in the little cemetery, the burying 
place of men famous throughout the colonies in their day. 
The name Moody is synonymous with the growth of New 
England, from the earliest days to the present. Scattered 
throughout York are many marks of the days when Master 
Moody was preceptor of Dummer Academy, and famous as 
a teacher. Now, at the 150th anniversary of the founding 
of the academy, the class of 19 13 place upon the grave of 
the first preceptor of their loved school, a wreath of flowers, 
in token of the good he did for their school, and as mark of 
appreciation and respect, and to honor the memory of the 
man whose guiding hand started the school on its many 
years of success. 

Edward C. Moody's article follows : 

Samuel Moody, Esq. 

"Peace has her victories, no less renowned than war." 
I have read that even in the early days of power and culture 
in Greece and Rome, that the people were wont to place 



2o8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

wreaths on the last resting place of the Master Makers of 
Literature, Art, Philosophy and Science, and chaplets on the 
brow of their Pausanias and Caesars, who had borne their 
arms and standards to victory, and returned in triumph. In 
this year of our Lord, which is the 150th from the inception 
and founding of Dummer Academy at Byfield, Mass., the 
trustees of that institution have placed on the headstone at 
the grave of its first preceptor a wreath. That grave is in 
the old burying ground, just across from the meeting house 
which his grandfather founded in 1747. 

I quote from the sermon delivered at his funeral, Dec. 23, 

1795: 

"Samuel Moody, Esq., son of that eminent man of God, 
the Rev. Joseph Moody, first beloved pastor of the North 
Church in York, and grandson of that godly and faithful 
man, the Rev. Samuel Moody, many years pastor of the 
South Church in that town, was born at York in April, 1726, 
;and received the honors of Harvard College in the year 
1746. Designed by his friends for the ministry, he made 
divinity his study for some time. When he entered the desk 
he made a good appearance, and was considered a popular 
preacher, and received an invitation to settle in the ministry, 
but he declined and gave up the design. He was what has 
been usually termed orthodox, (i. e.) Calvinistic in senti- 
ment, yet Catholic, far from bigotry ; considered it unprofit- 
able and unbecoming gospel ministers to dwell chiefly in 
their preaching upon the mysteries of Heaven or the atmos- 
phere of Hell, which are incomprehensible to all. He was 
easy of access, open and frank, friendly and communicative. 
Composition was easy to him ; no man had a greater fund 
of words to command, and no man seemed to possess a 
happier talent at arranging them properly. * * * Hav- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 209 

ing laid aside all thoughts of engaging in the arduous work 
of the ministry, he devoted himself to the service of the 
young and rising generation. The education of youth was 
his delight, and in this sphere he long shone with distin- 
guished lustre. * * * Being known as an inspirator of 
youth, he was applied to from various points of the country. 
From York he was called to take charge of a school founded 
by Gov. Dummer, which the fame of Master Moody soon 
filled with students, and through his influence this seminary 
of learning was incorporated into an academy. Here this 
learned preceptor presided with great respect and eminent 
usefulness for thirty years. * * * He often reflected, 
with great pleasure, that his sons (as he called his pupils) 
were to be found figuring eminently in every department — 
judges of courts, senators in Congress, and in the Senate 
of the Commonwealth, among the most shining lights of 
the bar; yea, at the heads of schools and academies, and 
even the University of Cambridge was, at the time of his 
death, indebted to liim for their President and for the pro- 
fessors of Divinity, Mathematics, Philosophy and Oriental 
Languages. * * * j^ l-,as been frequently observed of 
Mr. Moody that he spoke evil of nobody. This maxim he 
inculcated upon his pupils: 'De Mortnis Absentibus nil nisi 
bonum.' This godly man was faithful in the discharge of 
every trust reposed in him, and punctual to an extreme. As 
a magistrate he was a terror to evil-doers. Though his plans 
(in the opinion of his friends) were not always the most 
judicious, he adhered to them tenaciously. In his last days, 
with great zeal, he aimed to carry out a plan for establishing 
a social library, and a branch of education (wliicli we call a 
high school. E. C. M.) But, alas! This godly man has 
faded from among the children of men. The pious, the 



2IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

learned, friendly, benevolent, generous and compassionate, 
industrious and faithful Moody is no more : not blotted out 
of being; but having bid adieu to this world has taken pos- 
session of immortal life — a life worth enjoying; the reward 
of a good and faithful servant. Let us go and do likewise — 
like him be faithful unto death, that with him we may receive 
*a crown of life, a crown of glory which will never fade 
away.' " 

The writer is the owner of the day book and ledger of 
Master Moody which contains the names of many whose 
names I recall in the reading of the annals of New England 
men of one hundred years ago. I think perhaps the trustees 
at Dummer may like to place it among the archives. Any- 
way, I shall make them the tender. 



THE LAST REVOLUTIONARY SURVIVOR 

William Hutchins, son of Charles and Mary Perkins 
Hutchins, born in York, Maine, Oct. 6, 1764, married and 
settled in Penobscot, Maine, then called Plantation No. 3, 
subsequently Penobscot in sight of Bagaduce, now Castine. 
His parents left York when he was about four years old. 

He was the last surviving soldier of the Revolution, died 
May 2, 1866, aged loi years, 6 months and 26 days. His 
father lived to the advanced age of 91 years. There on the 
same farm which his descendants now occupy, the subject 
of this sketch continued to reside, with the exception of a 
short time, during the remainder of his life. Dwelling in 
sight of Bagaduce, he witnessed all the events connected with 
the siege of that famous locality during the summer of 1779. 
As above stated, William Hutchins was the last survivor of 
the Revolution. 

At the close of the war he returned to Penobscot and 
resided there until his death, farming, lumbering and coast- 
ing between Penobscot and Massachusetts ports, he acting 
in the capacity of master mariner. He was a devoted mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church. In 1865, when over a century 
old, he accepted an invitation from the representatives of the 
city government of Bangor to join in the celebration of the 
Fourth of July in that city. 

A revenue cutter was detached for his conveyance to and 
from, and as he passed by the Penobscot River the guns of 
Fort Knox fired a salute of welcome. The ovation which 
was extended to him on the occasion exceeded that ever 
before given to any person in the State. Multitudes rushed 
to catch a glimpse of the old veteran soldier, and the sincere 



212 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

and grateful plaudits which constantly greeted him as sur- 
rounded by a guard of honor he was escorted through the 
streets of the city, constituted a marked feature of the day. 
His mental faculties were retained up to, and during his 
final sickness, which was of short duration. On Sunday, 
April 29, 1866, signs of dissolution became manifest, and 
on the following Thursday, in full consciousness of his ap- 
proaching end, like a clock worn out with eating time, the 
wheels of weary life at last stood still. So it appears that 
York furnished nearly the first as also the last of that noble 
band of Revolutionary army soldiers that assisted this Re- 
public to burst the bands of British tyranny, and make it 
possible for us to enjoy freedom from British rule. 



SHIP BUILDING, SHIPPING AND SEA CAPTAINS 

It is uncertain when the first water craft was built in 
York. Remick in his History of Kennebiink says : "Vessels 
were built in York many years before a keel was laid in 
Kennebunk." It seems probable that the first "coaster" 
built in York was constructed prior to 1670. for in that year 
upon the Mousam River, hailing from York, sailed the first 
craft of any considerable size in those waters. She carried 
the workmen with their tools, builder's hardware, and some 
of the machinery to be used in the building of Sayward's 
shanty, and the construction of his mills. And from that 
time until 1890 a large number of "deep sea" and coastwise 
craft have first touched the Atlantic within the sea line of 
York. The largest vessel built by Edward Emerson in 
earlier days was the "Agamenticus," in later years the 
"Othello" by Asahel Goodwin at Cape Neddick in 1861. 
The last vessels launched in York were the "Sarah Louise" 
by Mr. Goodwin, the "Velocipede" by Charles C. Barrell, 
and the "Norton" by Jotham P. Norton, these prior to 1890. 
A hundred years ago the shipping to and departure from the 
port of York was considerable as appears by the Custom 
House records. From Jan. i, 1795, down to December, 
1806, when Samuel Derby was collector, there were enrolled 
no less than fifty vessels from twenty-five to ninety feet over 
all, and with names suggestive, fanciful and homely. These 
craft were mostly owned in York, some in Kittery. The 
following are some of the names : Diligent, Jack, Polly, 
Sally, Nancy, Patty, Sea Flower, Fanny, Betsy, Lively, 
Ruth, Two Brothers, Friendship, Adventure, Lark, Char- 
lotte, Lion, Blossom, Sophia, Rambler, Sunburst, Industry, 



214 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Katy, The Dove, Harriet, Olive Branch, Eagle. Among 
the owners and masters of those years were Benjamin 
Grover, David Baker, William Averhill, Zebiilon Harmon, 
Joseph Hutchins, Hannah Harmon, Jeremiah Clark, Obadiah 
Donnell, George Simpson. From 1806 to 181 5 the records 
are missing. The War of 1812 was within this period. Of 
course shipping interests were at a standstill, and it was at 
this time that the commerce in which the Emersons and 
others were engaged received a severe blow. But we find 
that in 181 5 Buckley Emerson had the sloop "Charles"; 
William Harmon, the "Snap" ; William Seavey, the "Isa- 
bella" ; Samuel Lunt, the schooner "Dolphine" ; Jonathan S. 
Barrell, the "Polly"; Joseph Kingsbury, schooner "Ex- 
change" ; James Weare, "Cicero" ; John Varrell, the "Re- 
turn"; Samuel and Jerry Lord, the "Radius"; Geo. Moody, 
the "William" ; Edward Emerson, "Flying Fish" ; George 
Norton, the "Nemus"; Joseph Kingsbury, the "Soffronia." 
There were five wharves on the northeasterly side of the 
river, and that of Capt. Samuel Sewall on the south side 
near the bridge with storehouses in connection therewith for 
the receiving of inward and outward bound freight. The 
merchants of York were to a large extent engaged in trade 
with the West Indies, and at times these wharves and ware- 
houses were bustling with activity, discharging or taking in 
cargoes from vessels, many of which were built and owned 
in the town. Edward Emerson had a shipyard between the 
"Grow" house and the river, the site of which is now guarded 
as well as the Custom House oflfice by the Palo Alto gun. 
Among others engaged in shipping on York River were 
Jonathan S. Barrell, Samuel Lunt, Emerson & Lyman. In 
later years coast business flourished, and the David Crockett, 
Clarinda, Eagle, Mary Remick, Susan Jane, John & Frank, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 21 5 

Canton, Gold Hunter, are remembered, with some of their 
masters — Baker, Lowe, Goodwin, Donnell, Perkins, Mat- 
thews, Hutchins, Freeman and Weare. 

Among the last of the fishing schooners was the "Web- 
ster," Capt. Lowe, and the "Annie Mason," Capt. John 
Glenn." Among the many masters of deep sea ships are 
recalled the names of Thomas Clark, Charles and George 
Moody, George and William Putnam, John B. Fernald, 
Augustus Lord, Rufus Donnell, Jonathan Talpey, Joseph 
Swett, Timothy Winn, Frank P. and Andrew L. Emerson, 
and Alfred Lunt, who died at sea while in command of the 
ship "Anahuac." It was said in an obituary : "Capt. Lunt 
was a skilful and successful navigator in all waters, a rigid 
disciplinarian, a just and faithful agent of those he served, 
no man ever had a higher ideal of the order necessary to be 
maintained on board ship, and no man was ever able better 
to impress his regulations. In every position to which he 
was called he showed a remarkable capacity for work, and 
a spirit of endurance and fortitude under hardship, such as 
is seldom seen." He was born in York, Jan. 17, 1824. 



FIRST PARISH, FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST 

As IS KNOWN, the earliest form of Divine worship in Sir 
Gorges plantation was that of the Established Church of 
England, known here as the Episcopal. Under that dispen- 
sation from 1634 until 1665, expounders of the tenets of 
that belief labored, Mr. Thompson, in 1634-36. Mr. Bur- 
dett 1634-40, Mr. Gibson 1640-42, Mr. Hull 1642-59, Joseph 
Emerson 1659-62, Joseph Hull second time 1662-65, which 
was the time of his death. The First Congregational or 
the "First Church of Christ" was organized as early as 
1672 by the Rev. Shubael Dummer. However, it is ascer- 
tained by parts of records that his labors in York com- 
menced in 1662. His ordination, of which minutes have 
been preserved, was on December 13th, 1672. These ex- 
ercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. Joseph Moody 
of Portsmouth. Mr. Dummer preached his own ordination 
sermon from the text of Scripture "Return O Lord and 
Visit This Vine." The charge to pastor and people was 
given by Rev. Mr. Philips of Rowley. Mr. Dummer was 
twenty-six years of age when he commenced his ministry 
in York, he had before been at Salisbury, now Amesbury, 
for two years. He married Miss Risworth, a daughter of 
the eminent Edward Risworth. His labor continued until 
January 25th, 1692, when he was shot and killed by the In- 
dians at his door just as he was about to mount his horse to 
hasten to a sick and dying parishioner. Not knowing that 
he had passed across the river by means of the cruel work 
of a savage, his wife was taken into captivity with many of 
the settlers. In fact, the settlement was nearly destroyed. 
For six years following the inhabitants had but little or no 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 21/ 

preaching. On May i6th, 1698, Rev. Samuel Moody, who 
was born in Newbury, Jan. 4th, 1675. came to York and 
preached as a candidate until his ordination in December. 
1700. There were at that time about twenty members of 
the church, but they with the rest of the people were so des- 
titute by their losses at the hands of the French and Indians, 
that Mr. Moody applied to the General Court of Massachu- 
setts, "for such an allowance for the last year, beg-inning 
May 18, 1698, as your wisdom and justice shall deem fit." 
That body voted him twelve pound sterling. His ministry 
was in the time of perils and struggle incident to war, but 
the Church prospered. For forty-nine years he was the 
religious leader of this people and his ministry was closed 
by his death in November, 1747. 

When the parsonage was destroyed by fire in 1742 the 
church records were burned, no perfect account therefore of 
his ministry can be given. However, fragmentary records 
of facts are obtained from ancient diarys and letters. Mr. 
Moody was an able and interesting man. Speaking of him 
Rev. Sidney Kingman Perkins in an address delivered in 
the Meeting-House at the Commemorative Service held Sun- 
day eve, Aug. 3d, 1902, says, 'T have given a great deal of 
time to the Rev. Samuel Moody, I might easily have devoted 
all the time allowed me this evening to a sketch of him and 
his work as there is more material concerning him than any 
other man in the pastoral sucession here. And the work 
accomplished by Father Moody deserves special attention, 
because of its achievements and because of his wide spread 
fame. Samuel Moody came to a weakened and discouraged 
settlement and to a feeble church, when he died he left a 
prosperous community and a church of over three hundred 
members, the largest existing then in Maine. He saw power- 



2l8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

ful rivals during his ministry and he welcomed them. But 
he also realized that religion is something more than an emo- 
tion, and he earnestly sought to develop character — strong 
Christian character among his people. His success was 
great if we are to measure it simply by the change which 
transformed what has been described as a largely irreligious 
community, into one where it was rare to find a family where 
prayer was not observed. The appreciation in which Rev. 
Samuel Moody was held summed up in the well known epi- 
taph on his tombstone as he sleeps in ''God's Acre" across 
the way. Jlere lies the body of the Rev. Samuel Moody, 
A. M., the zealous, faithful and successful pastor of the First 
Church of Christ in York, was born in Newbury. Jan. 4, 
1765, graduated 1697, came hither May i6th, 1698, ordained 
December, 1700, and died here Nov. 10. 1747. For his fur- 
ther character read the 2nd Corinthians 3d chapter and first 
six verses. Before turning from the story of Mr. Moody, 
it should be said that he was the ancestor of many who are 
still residents of York, bearing the Moody name and of 
many of other names; and also that he was the spiritual 
father of a much larger number." Mr. Perkins repeats some 
of the many anecdotes of Father Moody, some of which will 
find a place in this volume. 

The immediate successor to Mr. Moody, and that, not for 
two years, was the Rev. Isaac Lyman, who was ordained Dec. 
20, 1749. He was born in Northampton, Mass. A gradu- 
ate of Yale, a man of very different type than Mr. Moody, 
but the record says "He ever sustained the character of a 
faithful minister of Christ." The great earthquake in Novem- 
ber, 1755, was the means of awaking a revival and in 1756, 
as the first forty people were received into the communion 
of the Church. Mr. Lyman's pastorate extended for two 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 219 

generations, the longest of any in York, and he had the pleas- 
ure of being with a people who were united and they regarded 
him it is said "with the veneration of a beloved father." Rev. 
Roswell Messinger had been an associated pastor with Mr. 
Lyman for the last ten years of his ministry, he was ordained 
Oct. 10, 1798, and was minister for nearly fifteen years. As 
a preacher he was at first popular, but his moral life was not 
up to the religious standard, falling far short of that which 
those who have named the name of Christ should be, and 
what that of his predecessors was. After considerable trouble 
he was dismissed June 13, 1813. 

There was no stated preaching or pastor for about two 
years. November 9th, 181 5, Rev. Moses Dow, a graduate of 
Dartmouth, was installed as pastor and held that relation 
fourteen years. During his pastorate there was a division 
w^hich culminated in the organization of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Mr. Dow terminated his relation with the 
Church, Nov. 18, 1829. He was followed by Rev, Eber 
Carpenter, a graduate of Yale in the class of 1825. Mr. Car- 
penter was ordained Feb. 17th, 1830. and by his own request 
dismissed Sept. i6th. 1835. He was a robust character, and 
gained the regard of a part of his parishioners to such an 
extent that a number of children were named for him. His 
wife was a Lyman and his body lies in the Lyman private 
burial lot in the Grant Field. Rev. John Haven, who gradu- 
ated from Amherst in 1834, succeeded him, and was ordained 
December 14th, 1836, dismissed in December, 1840, his wife 
died here and was the first to be buried in the then "New 
Cemetery." Mr. Haven's successor was Rev. John L. Ashby, 
who was also a graduate of Amherst, class of 1837, he was 
pastor for nearly eight years, from July, 1841, to February, 
1849. Rev, William J. Newman was the next minister. He 



220 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

was a graduate of Bowdoin, came to the Church in July, 

1849. He was greatly loved and respected but his pastorate 
was brief. He died March 5th, 1850. 

Rev. John Smith was settled over the Church Oct. 9th, 

1850, was dismissed at his own request March 20th, 1855. 
He excelled as a pastor and his resignation was regretfully 
accepted. Rev. William A. Patten followed as "Stated Sup- 
ply" in April, 1855, ^"d remained until April, 1858. This 
was at a stirring time, just prior to the opening events of 
the Civil War. Rev. William W. Parker was ordained and 
began his relations as "Stated Supply" in January, 1859. He 
remained but one year, being succeeded by Rev. Rufus M. 
Sawyer, who had resigned a pastorate in Somers worth, N. 
H., and was "Stated Supply" from Oct. ist, 1861, until July, 
1866, covering about the years of the War of the Rebellion, 
There was no doubt as to his patriotism or of his devoted 
activity as a minister. 

Rev. John Parsons from Kennebunkport became the min- 
ister from October, 1866, to May, 1869, when he was dis- 
missed. Rev. Benjamin W. Pond commenced his ministry 
in May, 1870, being installed pastor, a relation he still holds. 
Though he left the ministry in September, 1873, and at this 
writing is a Principal Examiner in the Patent office and 
resides at 1887 Newton Street, W^ashington, D. C. Rev. 
David B. Sewall came from Fryeburg to York and com- 
menced his ministry in December, 1873, ^^^ remained four- 
teen and one-half years. Rev. George M. Woodwell and 
Rev. M. J. Allen in turn succeeded Mr. Sewall, and they 
were followed by Rev. Sidney K. Perkins, and he in 191 1 
by Rev. Frank L. Garfield. Who were the first deacons can- 
not be ascertained. John Harmon was a deacon in 1731 
and Joseph Holt in 1739. and in 1754, Joseph Holt, Samuel 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 221 

Sewall, Abiel Goodwin and John Bradbury were elders and 
Samuel Millbury, Jeremiah Bragdon. Joseph Simpson. Jr., 
and Jonathon Sayward were deacons. In later years among 
others Samuel Moody, Caleb Eastman. Henry D. Norwood, 
Frank P. Emerson. Joseph Sewall, Charles C. Barrell and 
John E. Staples served. The history of this Church is worth 
better treatment than the writer has given it, but in the words 
of Mr. Perkins I will say, "The town of York has been a 
better and happier town because of the true and noble lives 
that have been nurtured under the influences of its First 
Church of Christ. In this connection it will not be improper 
to write of the parish and of its relation to the church. In 
the first settlement or early in the settlement of the country, 
lands were granted and laid out in the several towns for the 
support of the minister. These lands were under the control 
and care of the town, until the incorporation of a parish, 
when they became the property and were fully controlled by 
the body corporate, organized as a parish and known as a 
parish society. For the purpose of organizing a warrant to 
hold a meeting was issued by William Pepperell, a justice 
of the peace, on March 5th, 1731, and the first parish meet- 
ing was held March 2'j, 1731, at which John Harmon was 
moderator, and Jeremiah Moulton was parish clerk. This 
Parish Society then assumed the responsibility of raising the 
compensation of the minister and the care of the parish prop- 
erty. Some of its action in this direction at times is interest- 
ing. In 1732 it voted to purchase a slave for Rev. Samuel 
Moody, and appointed Sam'l Came, Esq., Richard Millbury 
and Joseph Holt, a committee to make such purchase and 
at the same time it was voted to hire a man to live with Air. 
Moody until a slave could be purchased. In 1734 it was again 
voted to hire a man or buy a slave for that year and one hun- 



222 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

dred and twenty pounds ordered raised for that purpose. The 
assessors were instructed to buy the slave and deHver hiiu 
into the hands of Mr. Moody to be employed in his service 
during the pleasure of the parish. In 1735 the assessors were 
ordered to take care of the negro until the next parish meet- 
ing. At that meeting in March, 1736, the assessors were 
authorized to dispose of the negro to the best advantage and 
thus so far as the record shows slave buying and selling was 
ended in the First Parish. The parsonage was burnt March 
30th, 1742, and in April five hundred pounds were voted to 
be raised to build a new one. Samuel Sewall, John Say- 
ward, Samuel Millbury, Benjamin Stone and Frank Far- 
nam were appointed a committee to build the house. In 
this year the parish expressed their consent to the building 
of a bridge across the river at or near the ferry of Capt. 
Sewall and a committee was chosen to take subscriptions, 
prepare materials to build said bridge. This committee of 
six, headed by Capt. Nathaniel Donnell, at a subsequent 
meeting was enlarged to a membership of twenty-four, se- 
lections being made from all parts of the parish. In 1744 it 
was voted to make such repairs on the meeting-house that 
it might be comfortable through the wanter. In 1745 Jere- 
miah Moulton, Esq., was elected treasurer to receive funds 
raised to build a new meeting-house, and Col. Nathaniel Don- 
nell, Capt. Samuel Sewall, Joseph Swett, Samuel Millbury 
and Abel Moulton were appointed a committee to furnish 
materials. The old meeting-house w^as ordered to be taken 
down and w^hat material was suitable to be used in the con- 
struction of the new house. 

The parish voted to pay the physicians who attended Mr. 
Moody in his last sickness — Doctors Whitney, Sargeant and 
Swett — twenty-six pounds, seven shillings, and the funeral 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 223 

expenses of Mr. Moody, amounting to one hundred and five 
pounds, eighteen shiUings, six pence, also forty pounds for 
Mrs. Moody to go into mourning. In 1760 it was voted to 
give Samuel Moody with the concurrence of Mr. Lyman's 
permission to erect a building for the instructor of youth, a 
lease was given him for his natural life. This Samuel Moody 
became the noted principal of Dummer Academy, Byfield. In 
1769 singing was permitted in pews, same year, with the 
consent of Mr. Lyman, Moses Safford, a barber, and Eleakon 
Grover, a tailor, were given the right to erect buildings for 
their trade. They were to be of the same size, and eight feet 
apart. In 1797 it was voted to establish a parish fund. In 
1798, Daniel Sewall. Col. Esaias Preble and Edward Emer- 
son were chosen the first trustees. In 18 10 it was voted to 
pay the funeral expenses of Mr. Lyman and set his grave- 
stones. In 1837 the new burying ground so-called was lo- 
cated, enlarged in 1859, and again in 1870. In 1861 the 
vestry and the new parsonage were built. Capt. Charles 
Moody was awarded the contract for building the house. 
In 1834 it was found that the parish fund would yield an 
income of $250 per annum and this was used in support of 
the ministry. 



SECOND PARISH 

In 1730 a child was born to the First Parish. The Sec- 
ond Congregational Parish was incorporated in the north- 
western part of the town know then and now as "Scotland," 
and in 1732 a church was organized, and Rev. Joseph Moody, 
yielding to the earnest solicitations of the Second Church 
and the desire of his father, became its pastor and was 
ordained Nov. 29, 1829, and herewith is placed a biograph- 
ical sketch of Mr. Moody: 

The life of Rev. Joseph Moody, known as ''Handkerchief" 
Moody, has been the theme of the novelist, as in the tale of 
the "Veiled Parson ;" of the story writer in magazines, and 
short stories, in periodicals, in tradition and legend, prose 
and poetry ; and at times in authentic narrative. It is the 
purpose of the writer to give the facts as gleaned from the 
writings of Chief Justice Parsons, a contemporary, Judge 
William Pitt Preble, and Charles C. P. Moody, in a book 
published by Samuel G. Drake, No. 56 Cornhill, in 1847. 

Joseph Moody, pastor of the Second Congregational 
church, in York, was born in the year 1700, the date of the 
settlement of his father as minister of the First Parish. At 
the age of eighteen he graduated with high honors at Har- 
vard College, and up to the age of thirty-two years was a 
very active and prominent figure in civil affairs. For some 
years he was clerk of the town, and his work, as seen in Vol. 
I of the Records, gives evidence of the painstaking and care- 
ful scrivener. He was also Register of Deeds for the County 
and there, too, he left testimony as to his care and correct- 
ness. 

In 1730, at the age of but thirty years, he was Judge of 
the County Court and a brilliant and honorable career seemed 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 225 

opening its path in the puhhc service. He seemed in many 
respects well fitted for the work of ministry (and so his father 
thought). He was easy of access, open and frank, friendly 
and communicative. Composition was easy to him. No man 
had a greater fund of words to draw upon and few had a 
happier talent in arranging them properly and with the 
polish of his classical education, he could convey his ideas in 
language pure, and style manly and easy. 

His father. Rev. Samuel Moody — "Father" Moody — was 
very desirous that Joseph should be a preacher of the Gospel, 
for with all of his other supposed qualifications he was con- 
sidered a man of eminent piety. With Father Moody, to 
wish was to accomplish and the importunity of the father 
prevailed with the son. 

Without delay, in 1730. the Second Parish was incorpor- 
ated in that section of the town known as Scotland, from the 
fact that it was originally settled by the Scotch immigrants. 
In 1732 a church was organized and Mr. Moody, or Judge 
Moody, was warmly urged to become pastor. Resigning all 
his civil offices, "he laid his honors down," and was ordained. 
But the new trust proved too much for his great sensibility ; 
and after six years he fell into a gloomy and singularly dis- 
ordered state of mind, and gave up his labors. However, 
after this occasionally he preached a discourse in public, and 
often led in devotional exercises; in prayer he was ever 
ready and copious with that gift. 

The disorder that brought to a close, in a large degree, Mr. 
Moody's usefulness, was of the nervous kind. He supposed 
that an act committed many years before had made him unfit 
for the sacred office he held. Ebenezer Preble, the fourth 
son of Abraham and Hannah, and two years the senior of 
Joseph Moody, was a young man of rare promise at the time 



226 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

of his death, which was tragical. He and Moody were very 
intimate personal friends. One day they went out hunting 
together in the woods in pursuit of deer, and other game 
that might come within range. Having reached a thicket, 
they separated for the purpose of making a circuit, so as to 
start the game. After awhile Moody heard a crackling and 
saw the underbrush move, as if an animal were making its 
way through them. Instantly without thought he levelled his 
gun and fired. Hastening in triumph to the spot where he 
expected to find his game, there lay his friend Preble welter- 
ing in his blood, and in the agonies of death. Moody could 
never after forgive himself for his precipitancy. The death 
of Preble created a great sensation and called forth the tal- 
ents of the writers of elegys in those days. A couplet of one 
of the efforts offered by them on the occasion has been pre- 
served and runs thus : 

"Oh, lamentable, lamentable! 

What has become of Ebenezer Preble!" 

About 1736 he lost his wife, who had always relieved him 
of much of the pressure of worldly matters. This no doubt 
increased his nervous difficulty. He ceased to preach in 1738, 
and went to board with Deacon Bragdon. He chose to eat 
alone, and kept his face covered with a handkerchief, (the 
side table, the property of the writer, from which he par- 
took his solitary meals, is in the Old Gaol Museum), when 
in company. 

Deacon Bragdon, with whom he made his home, was nat- 
urally a man of hasty temper, a trait that has not become 
entirely extinct in his descendants. The Deacon had been 
out one morning and had some difificulty with one of his 
neighbors, a Mr. Junkins, about bad fences and breachy cat- 
tle. He made out to keep his temper fairly well while con- 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 227 

versing with his neighbor; but after he left him, thinking of 
some incident, "Old Adam" got up to a high pitch by the 
time he got home. As soon as he entered his house, in great 
excitement of spirit, he called out to Mr. Moody, "O, Mr. 
Moody, you must pray for my poor neighbor up the road, 
he has got terribly out of the way." "And does not Deacon 
Bragdon need a few prayers, too?" replied Mr. Moody. "May 
he not be some out of the way, as well as his neighbor?" "Oh! 
no, no ;" says Deacon Bragdon. "If I thought I was to blame 
I would take my horse and ride fifty miles on end !" "Ah ! 
Deacon Bragdon, I beileve it would take a pretty good horse 
to out ride the Devil !" This last reply of Mr. Moody calmed 
the good deacon, it is supposed. 

In 1745 Mr. Moody had become partially restored, and 
supplied the pulpit of the First Parish in the absence of his 
father, who was Chaplain of the Louisburg expedition. And 
it was at this time that an extraordinary incident took place, 
and may be accounted for each in his own mind. By infor- 
mation from Louisburg, it was found that the place was not 
taken. It was suggested that a day of fasting and prayer 
should be held in York, Neighboring ministers attended and 
assisted. Joseph Moody ofifered one of the prayers that was 
nearly two hours long. He went on a long time, using all 
manner of argument and pleas he could think of, for the 
reduction of the place, that the enterprise might be pros- 
pered ; then turned in his prayer and gave thanks that it was 
done, it was delivered up, it was ours. Then he went on a 
long time praising God for his unmerited mercy. After the 
troops returned and they and others compared notes, it was 
found that the place was taken on the very day that the fast 
was held and that the capitulation was closed while he was 
praying! The coincident of these facts with the prayer is a 
matter of history. 



228 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

It appears that at the age of twenty, young Moody had a 
strong attachment for Mary Hirst of Boston, which was sup- 
posed to be reciprocated; but in May, 1772, she was visited 
by Capt. Pepperell, wiio was more attractive in her eyes than 
the humble school master, and she became the wife of Sir 
William Pepperell. Moody married Miss Lucy White of 
Gloucester, descendant of Mayflower fame, and daughter of 
Rev. John White. He left three sons : Samuel, the first pre- 
ceptor of Dummer Academy in Byfield, Mass., who had no 
descendants, as on his tomb stone in the old burying ground 
reads, "he left no children for he died a bachelor" ; Joseph, 
who had a large family ; and Thomas, who also left descend- 
ants. 

The death of Mr. Moody was sudden and attended by 
some remarkable circumstances. He had, in early life, been 
a great singer, but after his indisposition he laid it wholly 
aside, and though at times he would lay his handkerchief 
aside and appeared cheerful, yet he would not sing. At length, 
one day, which he spent alone in his chamber, he was heard 
to break forth into singing, to the great astonishment of the 
Bragdon family. Almost the entire afternoon he was sing- 
ing with great animation, the 17th hymn of ist Book of 
Watts' Hymns : 

"Oh for an overcoming faith. 
To cheer my dying hours." 

He did not come out of his chamber that night, and the 
next morning was found dead in his bed. Such was the end 
of this good man, as recorded by President xA.llen. 

On his tombstone, which has disappeared, was the follow- 
ing inscription : 

"Here lies interred the body 
of the Rev'ed 
Joseph Moody, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 229 

Pastor of the Second Church in York, an Excellent instance 
of knowledge, learning, ingenuity, piety and usefulness, was 
very serviceable as a schoolmaster, Clerk, Register, Magis- 
trate, and afterwards as a minister. Was uncommonly qual- 
ified and spirited to do good, and accordingly was highly 
esteemed and greatly belo\ed. 
He deceased 
March 20, 1753 
Aged 53 years. 
Although this stone may moulder into dust 
Yet Joseph Moody's name continue must." 
His pastoral relation with the society was dissolved in 
1 74 1 and Rev. Samuel Chandler was ordained and remained 
until 1752, when by mutual consent his pastorate terminated. 
The third pastor was Rev. Samuel Lankton. He had been 
occupying various pulpits in Connecticut and had received 
calls to settle but his health had become impaired and he 
was hastening to regain it and when passing through York 
he passed a night with Rev. Mr. Lyman of the First Par- 
ish, and through him learned of the vacancy in the Second 
Parish and was urged to visit that branch of the vine and 
"preach them a lecture," which he did much to the gratifica- 
tion of the people, who greatly desired that he should remain 
with them, and he was ordained pastor July 3rd, 1754, and 
continued in that relation for more than forty years. In 
December, 1794, he died suddenly from hemorrhage of the 
lungs. He was a fine scholar, an eloquent preacher and an 
earnest Christian — and a most exemplary pastor. For three 
years there was no regular occupant of the pulpit. August 
2nd, 1798, Rev. Isaac Briggs was ordained, and dismissed 
July 4, 1805. For twenty years, until Nov. 9, 1825, they 
were a flock without a shepherd. At that time Rev. Thomas 
Duncan was installed pastor. The church was very feeble 



230 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

at this time and could count but eleven members. Mr. Dun- 
can was dismissed April 28th, 1830. And again for nearly 
four years they were without a settled minister, until Dec. 
3rd, 1834, Rev. Clement Parker was installed. After a pas- 
torate of about four years he was dismissed, May 11, 1838. 
He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Stone, Dec. 19, 1838, 
who remained until Jan. ist, 1844. A year followed with- 
out a minister, when on Jan. 15th, 1845, R^"^'- Morris Hol- 
man was ordained. He was dismissed July 9th, 1853. From 
December, 1858, to May 15th, John M. C. Bartly became 
"Stated Supply," followed by Samuel H. Partridge, who was 
also excelled as a physician and was "Stated Supply" from 
May 22nd, 1859, to the Fall of 1868. Rev. Joseph Free- 
man, "Stated Supply," began his labors Aug. ist, 1869, and 
continued until 1884, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. Fos- 
ter in June of that year by reason of ill health. He gave up 
his pastorate in Sept. Rev. William Creelman followed 
from June, 1885, to 1888. From that time until 1890 the 
Church was supplied with services from students of the Ban- 
gor Theological Seminary. Rev. George M. Woodwell of 
the First Parish preached in 1890-91-92 and 93. Rev. Arthur 
L. Colder from 1894 to 1896. Rev. Andrew L. Chase from 
1896 to 1899. Rev. John Wilson from July, 1900, to June, 
1902. Rev. Henry Hamilton from 1903 to 1907. The pres- 
ent minister. Rev. Ebenezer Jenkyns, began his labors in 
November, 1908. William L. Donald in 191 3. 

The deacons are Joseph H. Moody, who has served since 
1863, fifty years, and James H. Nowell, who was chosen in 
1889. 

The first meetinghouse stood in the field of Mr. John 
Mclntire, near the dwelling house of Deacon Joseph H. 
Moody. The present house was built in 1834, and dedicated 
December 2nd, same year. 



METHODIST 

Doubtless the earliest prominent Methodist to sojourn in 
York for a time was the Rev. George Whitefield of England 
and intimate friend of John and Charles Wesley; that was 
in 1745 and he was warmly welcomed by Rev. Samuel 
Moody. In later years Jesse Lee, of Virginia, came near 
our border to Kittery and was visited by many from York. 
He is described as a man "of vigorous physique, imposing 
presence, and great power of endurance, and weighing about 
two hundred and fifty pounds." In most of his journeyings 
two horses were required for his use alternately. Previous 
to 1829 were the beginnings of a Methodist Episcopal Church 
in York. The New England Conference had stationed in 
Portsmouth, N. H., a wonderful and powerful preacher pos- 
sessed of charming eloquence, John Newland Maffit. Charles 
O. Emerson of the First Parish, a young lawyer of influ- 
ence, and Jeremiah Brooks, a local merchant, upon their own 
motion asked Mr. Maffit to visit York, and the invitation was 
accepted, the first audience being responsive and enthusiastic. 
An appointment was made for a second meeting the follow- 
ing evening and the people came, filling the Court House to 
overflowing, 

"Mr, Maffit was then thirty-four years old, a native of 
Dublin, Ireland, having migrated at the age of twenty-four. 
He was a marvelous pulpit orator, gifted in prayer, and a 
sweet singer, and he exercised an immense magnetic power 
over the large audiences that gathered to hear him." 

The meetings continued and resulted in the greatest revival 
York ever knew. In 1829 a class or church was organized 
with seventy-three (73) members, by Rev. J. Spaulding and 



232 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

Gershom D. Cox. On Feb. 28, 1831, under provisions of the 
R. S. of Maine a society was incorporated. Seven (7) per- 
sons were chosen trustees to hold property deeded to the 
Methodist church on which to erect a meeting house, chapel, 
etc. A building committee was also chosen, consisting of 
Soloman Brooks, Joseph S. Clark, Francis Plaisted, Jere- 
miah Mclntire and Alexander Dennett. It required time, 
patience, and not a little diplomacy to secure a suitable site 
for the building, but it was finally obtained of Mrs. Mary 
Lyman and her brother, Nathaniel Sargent. Of this com- 
mittee Miss Ellen M. Dennett in her valuable and interesting 
paper says : "A capable group of men but the "dynamo" 
was Mr. Clark. Joe Clark, as he was best known, was a 
man of intense purpose, never heeding discouraging circum- 
stances, he simply must see the church built." The church 
building was raised Aug. 31, 1833, and completed Oct. i, 
1834. It was under the hand of Stephen Downing of Ken- 
nebunk as master workman from plans of a meeting house 
just completed at Great Falls, N. H. The church was dedi- 
cated Oct. 15, 1834. Rev. Gershom D. Cox preached the 
sermon from the text found in Daniel 2 Chap., 44th verse. 
Since that time the building has twice been remodeled, the 
last and most extensive in 1895, during the ministry of Rev. 
Mr. Wright, at which time the interior was beautified and 
a bell placed in the tower. Rev. Dr. Brodbeck of Boston 
delivered the sermon at the re-dedication from the text of 
Scripture: "He saved others, Himself he cannot save." 

A pressing need was keenly felt in the lack of a domicile 
for the minister and his family, but this was to be remedied. 
In 1846 Rev. Isaac Lord, who had been assigned to this part 
of the vineyard, said to a good but incredulous brother, 
"We must have a parsonage," who replied softly in an aside, 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 233 

"Let's see you get it." But the little parsonage was built 
the plans were drawn and much of the work done by Mr. 
Lord, who was a practical mechanic and had often used his 
skill in building and repairing churches, chapels and parson- 
ages in other places during fifty-one (51) years of active 
service without a leave of absence. Among the forty-eight 
worthy men who from its inception to the present have served 
their day and generation well in this church, and among the 
pleasant memories is that of William H. Strout, who was in 
York in '59 and '60. His appointment had been urgently 
requested. Of him Miss Dennett says : "The people knew 
him; he had begun as a lawyer, but his natural traits and 
purposes in life were such as to lead him toward the minis- 
try. A man of fine qualities, intellectual and moral, and sure 
of some degree of success in whatever he might undertake. 
He was allied to York further by ties of family. Mr. Strout 
was afterward transferred to an Illinois Conference feeling 
that it would be for the advantage of his four young sons, 
and his hopes were realized in living to see them develop as 
young men of marked character and ability." 

Of the occupants of the pews Miss Dennett gives interest- 
ing sketches. "The Lords, John and Jerry, of Cape Neck 
(The Willows) and their wives walked across Long Beach 
to and from meeting. Mr. Jerry Lord in social meetings 
was wont to relate his experience ; his feelings as he reviewed 
the scene came to a kind of rapture as he went on. In those 
straight-backed pews sat the heads of families ; from the 
harbor almost exclusively seafaring men, Capt. Joseph and 
Edward Lowe, Capt. George and James Donnell, Capt. 
Kingsbury and his wife Hannah Grow ; three talented sisters 
of Capt. Kingsbury, Mrs. Emerson, Mrs. Crane, and Mrs. 
Moulton, had gone forth from this place to fill worthy ones 
in Boston, Taunton and Vineland." 



234 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 



Mary Ann Derby was graceful and refined, a delightful 
Sabbath school teacher, and whose religious life was almost 
an ecstasy. 

A very active member of the society from its inception 
was Jeremiah Brooks, Esquire, being one of Mr. Maffit's 
first converts. The early records are in his handwriting and 
are easily read. Mr. Brooks was very fond of music, vocal 
and instrumental, especially the violin, but he at once laid 
it aside as being an unholy instrument. 

Several hundreds of persons have been members of this 
church and many have gone over the river, and we trust 
"met their pilot when they crossed the bar." 

The following is a list of the ministers of the society. In 
the last part of the year 1829 Rev. John Atkins of Kittery 



supplied ; the first actual pasto 

1830 G. F. Cox 

1831 M. Hill 

1832 A. P. Hillman 

1833-34. . . , P. C. Richmond 

1835 Francis Masseure 

1836 W. H. Pillsbury 

1837 H. M. Macomber 

1838 T. Rawson 

1839-40 H. M. Blake 

1841-42 A. Hotchkiss 

1843 F. Yates 

1844 J. W. Atkins 

1845 J. Weston 

1846-47 Isaac Lord 

1848 John Rice 

1849 A. Hatch 

1850 John Mitchell 

185 1 John Moore 

1852-53 F. C. Ayer 

1854-55 L- B. Knight 



was Mr. Cox. 

856-57. .John M. Woodbury 
858-59. . .William H. Strout 

860 C. Philbrick 

861-62. . .Nathan D. Center 

863 F. C. Ayer 

864-65-66 John Collins 

867 Orange W. Scott 

868 -..W. C. Stevens 

869-70 E. K. Colby 

871 Daniel Halloran 

872-73-74. .Ruel H. Kimball 
^7S-7^-77 • • James H. Trask 

878 Joseph Hawkes 

879 Daniel B. Randall 

880-81 1. H. Stevens 

882-83-84, Geo. C. Andrews 

885-86 J. A. Corey 

887 to '92.... G. D. Holmes 

893-94 William P. Lord 

895 James Wright 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 235 

1896 to '99. .Wm. S. Bovard 1904 James H. Bounds 

1900 C. C. Whidden 1905-6-7 Insley A. Bean 

1901 O. S. Pillsbury 1908-9 Albert J. Croft 

1901-2-3. . .Dudley C. Abbott 1910 Arthur J. Price 

1913 Alvin C. Goddard 

These forty-eight men of different gifts and characteris- 
tics have served as pastors, and "one star differeth from 
another in glory." 

Methodist Society at Scotland 

This society was formed in 1830 and Rev. George Web- 
ber was sent by the Conference to preach in that section. 
A meeting house was built in 1833. However, since 1866 
the society grew weak and finally disbanded. The follow- 
ing list comprised the names of the settled ministers: 1842, 
T. M. Hall; 1848, A. R. Lunt; 1859-60, Benjamin Lufkin; 
1861, J. R. Smith: 1862-63, George W. Barbour; 1864-65, 
O. M. Cousins; 1866, J. W. Savage. 

Methodist Society at Cape Neddick 

Was formed consisting of Moses Brewster, John Norton, 
Oliver Preble, Richard Talpey, George Phillips, Jonathan 
Talpey, Obadiah Stover, Samuel Welch, George Norton, 
Henry Talpey, Timothy Ramsdell, and Hannah Clark. They 
withdrew from the First Parish in 1822, but there is no 
record that they were organized as a church, or had exist- 
ence for any great length of time. A part of them joined 
the Baptist Society. 



SAINT GEORGE'S (EPISCOPAL) 

The money was raised for the church in the 8o's by the 
Right Reverend Benjamin H. Paddock, Bishop of Massa- 
chusetts, the Right Reverend Alexander Burgess, Bishop of 
Quincy, Illinois, and several summer visitors at Norwood 
Farm and cottagers at York Harbor. John C. Ropes and 
Dr. Charles B. Tower were trustees in charge of the church 
for many years. 

Mr. E. B. Blaisdell was the builder. 

The church was consecrated by the Right Reverend Alex- 
ander Burgess. This is stated in the Diocesan Journal of 
the Diocese of Maine by Bishop Neely in one of his ad- 
dresses. For several years services have been held every 
Sunday in St. George's during the months in which Trinity 
Church has been closed. 

The date of consecration was in August, 1886, the church 
building having been completed in the spring of that year. 



TRINITY CHURCH (EPISCOPAL) 

The lot for the church was purchased in 1904. Mr. 
Henry J. Handenburgh prepared plans for the church in 
1907. The contract was given to Mr. E. E. Goodwin and 
the first services were held in the church in August, 1909. 
The lot and church have been paid for and there is no debt. 

The committee in charge during the building of the 
church were : Thomas Nelson Page, H. Blanchard Dom- 
inick, Francis Lynde Stetson, William H. Lincoln, E. H. 
Siter, Elihu Chauncey. 

At this writing Trinity Church has not been consecrated. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 237 

SAINT PETER'S BY THE SEA (EPISCOPAL) 

It was said to the Master nearly nineteen hundred years 
ago of one: 

"For he loveth our nation, and he hath buik us a syna- 
gogue." 

A change of a few words, and the sentiment would yet 
remain, and could with eminent propriety be used in speak- 
ing of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Conarroe of Philadelphia, 
Penn. For they loved York and Ogunquit and founded 
Saint Peter's by the Sea in 1898. It was consecrated July 
12, 1898, Bishop officiating, Rt. Rev. Henry Adams Neely, 
D. D., Diocese of Maine. 

NON-SECTARIAN 

At Clay Hill a neat and commodious building for religious 
purposes was erected previous to 1901. The active pro- 
moters of the good work among others were Frank C. 
Bridges, Josiah N. Norton, Leon S. Moulton, Jeremiah 
Moulton, Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Chalk. It was intended to 
be a non-sectarian religious place of assemblage within the 
walls of which the truth might be proclaimed, "no matter 
whether it was found on heathen or Christian ground." 
When conditions warrant services are held. 

CHAPEL AT AGAMENTICUS 

Previous to the year 1900, by the labors of Rev. Har- 
mon Goodwin, aided by John F. Plaisted, Alvah Trafton 
and others, and supplemented by generous outside contribu- 
tions, a chapel was built in the Agamenticus District and 
religious services have been conducted from time to time 
as circumstances seemed to demand. 



UNION CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY AND 
CHURCH, YORK BEACH 

The "Union" Church was founded in 1895. 

"The Ladies' Aid" to assist in the work of estabHshing 
a rehgious society and building a church edifice was formed 
Dec. 3, 1894. This arrangement continued until several 
wished to join the church upon confession of faith, and 
then it was seen that there was not anything to join (or 
perhaps everything) for the Union Church was everything. 
So in process of time Articles of Faith were drawn up and 
a church body was established retaining the name of Union 
Church. 

February i, 19 10, Charles L. Bovvden, Reuben B. Mor- 
gan, Frank E. Parsons, J. B. Paul, W. C. Hildreth, F. H. 
Ellis, I. B. Camp, John S. Young, W. N. Gough, Austin 
McKowen, Frank W. Armstrong, H. L. Shattuck, N. C. 
Simonds, Harry A. Platts, Edward Shattuck and M. Q. 
Adams petitioned John C. Stewart, a notary public, to take 
the action required by the law to incorporate a religious 
society under the name of Union Congregational Church, 
which was done under notarial seal Feb. 2, 1910, and it is 
now a part of the Maine Congregational body. 

Armenius H. Bowden donated land and the society pur- 
chased land adjoining sufficient on which to erect a com- 
modious and tasteful "meeting house." 

The first Sunday School at the Beach was formed, July, 
1886, by Romie M. Ellis at her home at Union Bluff, York 
Beach. 



BAPTIST 

The First Baptist Church of Cape Neddick was formed 
Aug. 20, 1829, with a membership of twelve persons, five 
males and seven females. It was organized by Rev. Oliver 
Barron. The inception of the movement originated with 
a few members of the Baptist Church at South Berwick, 
who had resided at Cape Neddick for years. As far back 
as 1780 Elder Nathaniel Lord preached a sermon at the 
house of Jeremiah Weare. However, the opposition to the 
introduction of Baptist sentiments was so strong that fur- 
ther effort to inculcate their doctrine was discontinued for 
more than twenty years. After that time elapsed Elder 
William Batchelder deilvered an address in David Webber's 
orchard, which received great attention and about fifty souls 
were converted, some of whom joined the church in South 
Berwick. During this time up to 1829 they were favored 
with preaching at intervals by several ministers who came 
to them as opportunity granted. Among these were Elder 
Andrew Sherburne and Joshua Chase. The meeting house 
was built in 1823 by the combined efforts of Baptists and 
Methodists. When it was completed the question of owner- 
ship and the supplying of a minister brought about an un- 
pleasant struggle. It appears that the Baptists maintained 
their contention and in May, 1829, Rev. Mr. Barron com- 
menced preaching. He continued as pastor for about three 
years. In May, 1830, the church with a membership of 
twenty-four joined the York Association, and was repre- 
sented at that meeting by Rev. Mr. Barron, Deacon Cotton 
Chase, and Daniel Norton. Rev. John Hainer preached 
part of the time in 1832 and Josiah Ames occasionally in 



240 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

1833. Jan. 9, 1834, Rev. Clark Sibly became pastor and 
remained three years, then Noah Hooper, Jr., a student, sup- 
plied for several weeks. Rev. Daniel McMaster preached 
nearly a year and was followed in April, 1838, by Rev. 
Gideon Cook, who resigned in 1841. It was during Mr. 
Cook's ministry that the church was deprived of a large 
portion of its membership. Twenty-five members were dis- 
missed to organize a church in Wells. Rev. Isaac Merrill 
followed Mr. Cook, July 4, 1841. In 1842, in spite of the 
reduction in membership under ministration of L. L. Tripp 
the twenty-five who were dismissed the church had at this 
time increased to sixty-six. Rev. Mr. Cook returned Nov. 
9, 1843, and was dismissed March 4, 1847. J^b' 4? 1847, 
Rev. B. Pease began his ministry and remained until Oct. 
2, 1 85 1. Rev. S. F. Kendall followed Aug. 29, 1852, and 
was dismissed July 2. 1854. Elder John Hubbard began 
his ministry in December, 1854. Rev. A. E. Edwards be- 
came pastor Oct. 28, 1858, and continued to April 4, 1861 ; 
being followed in January, 1862, by B. F. Lawrence, who 
was ordained May 22, 1863, and resigned January 8, 1865. 
Rev. C. P. Bartlett received a call April 16, 1866, which 
was accepted May 6. He resigned April 28, 1866. From 
that date until 1870 Rev. J. M. Mace was pastor. In 1871 
Rev. J. A. Tooker supplied. Preaching was by supplies 
from 1 87 1 to 1873, when Rev. William Beavens was pastor 
to 1875, followed by Rev. Henry Stetson, 1875 to 1879; 
Rev. Gilbert Robbins, 1879 to 1886; Rev. H. B. Marshall, 
1886 to 1888; Rev. C. H. Eveleth, 1889 to 1891 ; Rev. P. T. 
Gallaher, 1892 to 1894; Rev. William Fletcher, 1894 to 
1902; Rev. William Reid, 1902 to 1906; Rev. H. A. Platts, 
1906 to 1908; Rev. J. S. Osborne, 1909 to 191 2. Rev. F. 
H. Gardner became the present pastor. May, 191 2. Among 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 24I 

the deacons of this church have been Cotton Chase, Samuel 
Webber, Jonathan Talpey, and Oliver Norton. Since 1880 
the meeting house has been remodeled, and a new parsonage 
house and church vestry built. 



CHRISTIAN 

The York Christian Church was organized May 13, 1808, 
under the auspices of Elder EHas Smith at Tenney Orchard, 
in the dwelHng- house of John Terry. Twenty-six persons 
constituted the membership. Peter Young was ordained 
first pastor in September, 1808. Sept. 4, 1809, Moses Saf- 
ford began his labors as a preacher. He was followed by 
Mark Fernald, May 24, 18 19. 

On June 29, 1829, Elder Peter Young was again called 
to the flock. In December, 1836, Elder Robinson came, 
remaining for one year, and on January 10, 1839, Rev. 
Abner Hall was ordained pastor. He was succeeded by 
Stephen R. Bickford in October, 1842. 

From May, 1846, to May, 1849, Elder Thomas Bartlett 
occupied the pulpit. After an absence of about a year, in 
May, 1850, he resumed his pastorate until October, 185 1. 

In the years 1852 and 1853 I^^^- P- L. Beverly supplied, 
and on May 4, 1853, R^^'- Charles E. Goodwin began his 
long pastorate which ended in May, 1874. 

Elder Hezekiah Short followed, from June 5. 1874, until 
May, 1881; Elder James A. Phillips, May, 1881, to March, 
1884; Rev. J. W. Card, May, 1884, to March 31, 1885; 
Rev. B. S. Maben, June. 1885, to June. 1887; Rev. W. B. 
Flanders, September, 1887, to Jan. 31, 1891 ; Rev. C. V. 
Parsons, April, 1891, to December, 1893; ^^^'- ^^- G. V^oliva, 
March, 1894, to March, 1895; Rev. T. G. Moses, May, 1895. 
to May, 1900; Rev. John A. Goss, July. 1900, to July, 1908; 
Rev. C. J. Yeomans, September, 1908, to April, 1910; Rev. 
C. V. Parsons, from October, 1910, to the present time of 
writing, Feb. i, 1913. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 243 

The building now used by Allen C. Moulton as a manu- 
factory for the sawing and dressing of all kinds of lumber 
is the original meeting house of the society and was located 
at the junction of the Portland and Cider Hill roads. On 
the completion of the new edifice it was used by the High 
School until the High School building was occupied. The 
construction of the new meeting house was begun in 1891 
and completed and furnished May 1, 1893: dedicated May 
13th that year. The sermon was preached by Rev. E. A. 
Hainer. In 19 10 extensive repairs and changes were made 
in the interior. 

William Gardner Moulton at the time of his death, Dec. 
13, 1906, had been a member of the church seventy-eight 
years, and served as deacon for forty-three years. The 
present deacons are William P. Titcomb, chosen in 1888, 
and J. Albion Littlefield in 1907. Elder Peter Young in 
his autobiography gives an interesting account of the early 
days of the society which is given herewith : 

"I was born in York, in the County of York, District of 
Maine, on the 29th of April, in the year of our Lord 1784. 
My parents' names were Rowland and Mary Young; they 
belonged to the Congregational Society in that place, and 
brought up their children in that order. 

"About the last of February, A. D. 1805, I took leave of 
my friends in York, for a little season, to travel in the coun- 
try, to sound salvation to my fellowmen. 

"I rode to Berwick and Sanford, tarried about a week, 
preaching Jesus, sometimes in one town, and sometimes in 
the other. From thence, in process of time, I arrived at 
Alton, N. H., and there it pleased the dear Lord, to lead 
me out of Calvinistic bondage into the glorious liberty of 
the gospel of Christ. 



244 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 

"While at Alton I went to bed and dreamed that I was 
at York, and that somebody had a flock of sheep that had 
no shepherd, and they desired me to take them and feed 
them and take care of them; and I thought I did it; and I 
awoke and behold it was a dream. Nevertheless I thought 
it was my duty to visit York. In February, 1808, by the 
desire of the brethren, I hired a house and sent to Alton and 
moved some of our effects here and set up housekeeping. 

"In April the brethren were very much engaged and we 
enjoyed a refreshing time in the presence of the Lord. 

"In May we thought it our duty to consider ourselves a 
church of Christ, and on the thirtieth day of May, Elder 
Elias Smith came here and preached. Two related the 
reason of their hope in Christ, and after baptism in Little 
River the brethren met and agreed to lay aside all party 
names, by which professors of religion have been and are 
now called, and to name the name of Christ only which is 
CHRISTIAN; having no creed, platforms or articles of 
faith but the New Testament; and to endeavor to walk 
according to that and the teaching of the spirit. 

"There were about twenty-four of us there in Tenny's 
Orchard, who made this agreement; and the Lord has, I 
trust, made additions to us since, of such as shall be saved, 
so that now there are nearly thirty, who stand together as 
a church of Christ." 



THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 
The Christian Church of York and Kittery was organ- 
ized June 9th, 1866. It was about this time that the Rev. 
Joel Wilson of Kittery began labor among the people of 
Beech Ridge and vicinity, holding religious services, with 
preaching in the schoolhouse. As the result a church soci- 
ety of twenty-seven members was gathered. A neat and 
commodious meeting house was built in the months of No- 
vember and December, 1866, and early in 1867, at a cost 
of $3,500. It was dedicated Feb. 21, 1867. A bell was 
given the society by the Hon. Ichabod Washburn of Wor- 
cester, Mass., and hung in position Oct. 26, 1867. 

The first deacon was Henry Grover. In 1873, Rev. Mr. 
Wilson was succeeded by Rev. Joseph H. Graves. In 1874 
Mr. Wilson returned to the pastorate, being succeeded by 
Elder George Moore Payne in 1876, who was followed in 
1878 by Joseph Whitney. In 1879 ministerial labor was 
conducted by Edwin D. Wells of Portsmouth for three years, 
and from 1882 until 1885 Elder Payne labored, and was 
followed by William P. Iseral of Portsmouth for two years, 
when Rev. John H. Mugridge — who served until 1891 — 
succeeded. Rev. James R. Phillips was pastor from the 
last named date to 1895, being succeeded by Rev. George 
H. Kent; Rev. Eben S. Greenleaf of Lynn followed Mr. 
Kent in 1899. In 1904 Mr. Kent returned, remaining until 
1907, since when the house has been closed to preaching 
services. 

At frequent occasions Sabbath school exercises have been 
held. The meeting-house is being maintained in good con- 
dition. And there is opportunity for some shepherd with- 
out a flock. (The Beech Ridge church has again been 
opened for services, with Rev. Mr, Eldredge in charge.) 



ROMAN CATHOLIC 

At York Beach the first Mass was the last two Sundays 
of August, 1895, in Clement's Hall, which is now known 
as the Algonquin. The next two seasons the services were 
at the Myrtle Cottage, the summer home of Mr. Bernard 
O'Donnell. of Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1898 Mr. Elisha Brown, 
who was president of a bank in Dover, N. H., and not a 
Catholic, invited the Catholics to have Mass said in his 
cottage at Dover Bluffs. The Myrtle Cottage again served 
as the chapel for the years 1899 and 1900, the last Mass 
being said August 5, 1900, at which more than 175 persons 
assisted. It was now evident that some other arrangement 
must be niade to accommodate the Catholics coming to York 
Beach for the summer months as they had outgrown all the 
places offered to them. 

As several Catholics had contributed to the erection of 
the Union Church, it was thought that this building could 
be had, but no arrangements could be made with those in 
charge of the church. 

A committee consisting of the late Hon. John M. Mitchell, 
a Justice of the Superior Court of New Hampshire, Mr. 
Roger G. Sullivan of Manchester, N. H., with Mr. Bernard 
O'Donnell of New York as Treasurer, with the permission 
of the Church authorities of the Diocese of Portland as- 
sumed all the burden of erecting a church at York Beach. 
A lot of land was bought on Church St. and the beautiful 
"Church of the Star of the Sea" was erected on it and 
opened for service, the first Mass being said in it by the 
Rev. James P. Gorman, pastor of South Berwick, July 7, 
1 90 1. The number of Catholics continued to increase so 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 247 

that it was necessary to have two Masses on Sundays, and 
even with this double service it was soon apparent that the 
church building could not accommodate the great number 
coming for the two Masses. It was then decided to enlarge 
the church. A transept was built and the seating capacity 
of the church increased to nearly eight hundred by the in- 
stallation of pews, and even now with the two Masses and 
the increased seating room there are Sundays when even 
standing room is difficult to be had. The church is prac- 
tically out of debt. 

Mass was said for the first time at York Harbor up stairs 
in Mason's Bath House in 1895; afterward in the Library. 
Some objection was made to having the services in the 
Library, and as no other suitable place could be found they 
were discontinued for a couple of years. When Mass was 
again said it was in the dance hall of the Albracca and con- 
tinued there until the erection of the Church of the Immac- 
ulate Conception on Woodbridge Road in 1903. The first 
Mass was said by the pastor, Rev. James P. Gorman, who 
had the general supervision of the building of the church. 
The congregations here have so increased that it has been 
necessary to have two Masses every Sunday from June to 
the last of September. Though many improvements have 
been made to this church it is now out of debt. 

Mass was said for the first time in the winter at the home 
of Mr. James P. Eaton in 191 1, and services are held there 
now each winter. 

A rectory was completed and furnished in 1913. Rev. 
Denis J. O'Brien succeeded Rev. Mr. Gorman and is the 
present beloved pastor. 



PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS 

Among the earliest of whom there is record were Doc- 
tors Bulman, Joseph Swett, Sargent, Whitney, Job Lyman 
and Josiah Oilman. The Day Book of Dr. Oilman, by the 
thoughtfulness of the late Dr. Wilson L. Hawkes, has been 
preserved and is now, by the kindness of Mrs. Hawkes, in 
the Old GaoJ Museum. He appears to have had a wide 
and long-continued practice from late in the eighteenth cen- 
tury down to 1840. The entries are of interest. Under 
date of August, 1803, is a charge against Micum Mclntire, 
"visit to him $1.00, six portions for his son $.25." Samuel 
Emery, Wells, "visit and medicine $3.00." His fee for 
visits in the village was 25 cents. In parturition cases, $3.00 
for male child and $2.00 for female. From 1803 to 181 3, 
a decade, his professional calls numbered 17,200. Some- 
body has written on the last page of the book, "Lyman 
Oilman is a bad boy." 

In the last century were Dr. Jeremiah S. Putman, a native 
of Danvers, Mass. ; Caleb Eastman, from Conway, N. H., 
and many years a Deacon of the First Church and Treas- 
urer of the First Parish ; Charles Trafton ; Christopher P. 
Oerrish, who was born in Lebanon, Maine, came to York 
from Oreat Falls (Somersworth) in 1857; Jasper J. Hazen, 
born in Cabot, Vt., served in the Union Army, began prac- 
tice of medicine in York in 1867; Wilson L. Hawkes, born 
in Windham, Maine, in 1848, commenced practice in Ports- 
mouth, N. H., came to York in November, 1872; John 
Conant Stewart, born in Vermont, 1850, commenced prac- 
tice of medicine in York, 1877, later read law with Moses 
A. Safford and admitted to the Bar in 1895; Frank W. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 249 

Smith, born in Gray, Maine, in 1859, entered practice in 
1884 at West Buxton, came to York in 1889; Edward Chase 
Cook, born in Vassalboro, 1869, located at York Village in 
1895 ; Charles H. Harmon, now in New Sweden, came to 
York in 1907. 

Doctors Bulman, Sargent, Gilman, Lyman, Putnam, Ger- 
rish, Hawkes, Hazen, Cook and Stewart all lived on Main 
Street between the Town Hall and York Corner. 



YORK COUNTRY CLUB 

On the 15th day of September, 1900, the York Country 
Club was incorporated with the following as officers of the 
organization : 

President, Charles Eustis Hubbard of Boston. 

Vice President, Frederick H. Tappan, Boston. 

Secretary, Frederick H. Tappan. 

Treasurer — Charles W. Fox, Philadelphia. 

Clerk of Corporation, Frank D. Marshall, Portland. 

Directors and Trustees, Arthur T. Aldis, B. Ogden Chis- 
holm, James T. Davidson, Charles E. Hubbard, Elihu 
Chauncey, Joseph E. Davis, Thomas Nelson Page, Fred- 
erick H. Tappan, Charles W. Fox. 

The farm of Jeremiah Mclntire, nearly all of the E. A. 
Bragdon real estate, and two-thirds or more of the estate 
of the late Nathaniel G. Marshall, owned by Samuel W. 
Junkins, approximating one hundred and fifty acres, was 
purchased, and a club house erected thereon near Sewall's 
Bridge. The house was opened in the early summer of 
1901 with these persons as members: Arthur T. Aldis, 
Owen F. Aldis, L. Bolton Bangs, M. D., John Cadwalader, 
Elihu Chauncey, George L. Cheney, Knight D. Cheney- 
B. Ogden Chisholm, Joseph E. Davis, George B. Dexter, 
H. B. Dominick, Edward O. Emerson, Julian d'Este, Charles 
W. Fox, M. D., Charles E. Hubbard, W. L. Hawkes, M. D., 
J. D. J. Kelly, Barbour Lathrop, Bryan Lathrop, William 
H Lincoln, Thatcher Loring, Frank D. Marshall, W. R. 
Mercer, Jr., Thomas Nelson Page, John W. Pepper, F. A. 
Peters, Henry Sampson, Walter M. Smith, Wilson M. 
Walker. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK 25 1 

In addition to the eighteen-hole golf course the club has 
twelve single tennis courts, fine croquet grounds, a large 
garage, and caddy house. 

William Wilson is the superintendent of the Club and a 
professional golf player of fine attainment. 

From its inception the Club House has been under the 
personal care of Charles E. Noble, as Steward. Mrs. Noble 
has charge of the cuisine, and as a writer has said, "A visit 
to the York Country Club is incomplete without a dinner 
at the Club served by Mrs. Noble. Her exquisite taste and 
genius for arranging menus have placed her in the class 
with Sherry and Delmonico." Much of the elaborate fur- 
nishing of the house has been made by the gifts of Mrs. 
Goodrich, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Henry S. Grove, 
Mrs. Chisholm, Mrs. Hubbard, Mrs. Denny, Mrs. S. E. 
Price, Mrs. Bryan Lathrop, and others. 

A lease of the William O. Bragdon property has been 
taken for twenty years, giving more areage for needed 
additions as they arise. 



Thanks are rendered to Misses Adaline Marshall, Rita 
Putnam and Miss McMullan for their aid. 

As the last word the writer will say, that there is but little 
in the pages of this "Handbook," that may not be found else- 
where, and it is difficult at times to avoid similarity of ex- 
pression. Plagiarism is often charged to eminent writers. 
I have endeavored as far as possible to name the authority 
for some statements of facts; in others my own, "All of 
which I saw; part of which I was." 



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